Vol. 502 No. 5
72 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has finalised her approval for the development project for Maynooth Castle, County Kildare; the details of the project; the timescale involved; the funding available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8647/99]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the commencement of the Maynooth Castle restoration project. The improved works include the development of the vaulted areas, together with access to the first floor of the castle, and the provision of small-scale guide and visitor facilities.
A provision of £1 million has been made in my Departments Estimates for the project, 75 per cent of which is being funded by the EU-assisted Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-1999. It is intended to commence the first phase of the restoration works in the latter half of 1999 and to complete them before the end of next year.
