Vol. 509 No. 1
274 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she intends to take to prevent further damage to a national monument, Black Freren Gate, Blackmill, Kilkenny; if it will be restored fully; if a full report will be prepared outlining the damage and the work needed to restore it; and the legal action, if any, which will be taken against those responsible for damage to it. [19860/99]
Officials from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department are liaising with officials from Kilkenny Corporation and the developer in an effort to find a method to complete the ongoing drainage works in Kilkenny in a manner which will cause no damage to the Black Freren Gate and other national monuments in the vicinity.
A number of cracks are present in the Black Freren Gate and these are being monitored by my officials. The presence of these cracks is a matter of concern and a full condition report will be necessary in order to assess the extent of remedial works required. The question of legal action, if any, is not being considered at this time.
