Vol. 509 No. 6
193 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the measures taken with regard to the future of the early 19th century house in the Glen of Imaal, the property of his Department, which was threatened with demolition earlier in 1999; and the action being taken to ensure the future of this property. [21378/99]
I presume that the Deputy is referring to Coolmoney House. Reports by military engineering and safety personnel in recent years indicated that the house was structurally unsound and a major hazard and demolition was accordingly recom mended. The cost of restoring the house was assessed by the corps of engineers as in the region of £1 million. I was satisfied that the expenditure of such an amount from public funds would not be justifiable. The house was not a listed building and was not subject to preservation on a statutory basis. Accordingly, arrangements were initiated with a view to the placing of a contract to demolish the property.
An Taisce and The Irish Landmark Trust were each afforded an opportunity to visit the site in March last and assess for themselves the circumstances surrounding the Department's proposal to undertake the demolition of the property. On completion of the consultation process to the satisfaction of both bodies the demolition contract was proceeded with and the work was completed in August last.
