Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Boyne Valley Development Plan.

John Bruton

Question:

306 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will appoint a new chairperson to the Boyne Valley integrated development plan management committee; if she will provide a progress report on the work of the committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6084/99]

John Bruton

Question:

307 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the amount of funds allocated to the implementation of the Boyne Valley plan which has been spent to date; the projects to which the funds have been allocated; and the additional funds she intends to allocate in 1999. [6085/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 306 agus Uimh. 307 le chéile.

The vacancy for chairperson of the management committee arose at the beginning of this year due to the departure of the incumbent, who also represented Meath County Council, to take up a position with another body. While no formal procedures exist for the appointment of a chairperson, it is expected that when the county council nominates a replacement as its representative on the committee, the matter of the chairperson will be considered.

The management committee has convened regularly since its formation in July 1996. As the Deputy is aware, its main purpose is to ensure an integrated approach to: "tourism development, heritage and amenity management in the Valley of the River Boyne, from its upper reaches in Meath to the sea at Drogheda."

In this respect the committee has succeeded in providing a forum for consultation and exchange of views among the many public and private interests represented on it. While the committee is not an executive agency, it has been effective in ensuring an integrated approach to the planning of several initiatives and programmes within its terms of reference. These have included the appointment of a fisheries manager to promote the development of angling in the Boyne catchment, the commencement of work on the Boyne Way riverside walk; the establishment of a Boyne Valley promotion company, since absorbed by Meath Tourism Ltd; the launch of a dedicated promotion brochure and design of a distinctive "logo", and the commencement of planning for an overall signage strategy and cycle route. From the perspective of my Department's specific remit, the management committee has been kept informed of the ongoing development work and operational arrangements at such sites as Brú na Bóinne, including the Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth archaeological complex, Trim Castle, Tara, Loughcrew, Slane and Bective Abbey. In addition, work on Grange Castle will shortly commence.

While funding of the many activities addressed under the Boyne Valley integrated development plan is a matter for the individual executive agencies concerned as part of their ongoing responsibilities, a sub-programme specifically associated with the plan is also being pursued by my Department. This includes devlopment of a long-distance walk between Slane and Oldbridge, and improved access and information at Bective Abbey, Slane and Loughcrew. Expenditure of £520,000 has already been incurred in respect of this sub-programme for the riverside walk and a further provision of £50,000 has been made in this year's Estimates.