Vol. 509 No. 4
304 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if officials from her Department will examine the condition of Carlow Castle and report on the work needed to make it safe, accessible and prevent further deterioration; if she will consider the restoration of this monument as a matter of priority; and if she will include this work for the year 2000. [20269/99]
Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has examined Carlow Castle and report that while its existing fabric is generally sound, minor works will be undertaken in the near future to help prevent further deterioration of the building.
As part of Dúchas's on-going programme of conservation and in consultation with the local authorities, it is proposed to undertake a programme of works which will make the site safe and accessible to the public. These works will include: landscaping; provision of interpretative panels and the provision of footpaths. Drawings of the proposed landscaping works will be on display in the offices of Carlow County Council in the near future and the work is scheduled to be carried out in 2000.
The castle is not suitable for restoration as over two thirds of its original structure is no longer in existence.
305 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, made in respect of the restoration of French Church, Waterford; the work, if any, to be undertaken in 1999; and the amount of this work now complete. [20270/99]
While there are no plans at present to restore this building a full programme of conservation works is planned. These works will comprise masonry cleaning, repointing and the repair and conservation of carved stonework. The visitor access from the street will be improved and information panels will be provided.
However due to a current shortage of suitably qualified staff in Waterford city, implementation of this programme has been delayed. Interviews to recruit suitable persons will take place shortly.
Essential conservation work to the windows was carried out earlier this year and further conservation and presentation works are scheduled to be carried out in 2000.
