Vol. 513 No. 1
640 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the amount of money spent on the Maynooth Castle restoration project in 1999; the work undertaken; the further funding, if any, available; the work to be undertaken in 2000; and if this work will encompass phase two of the restoration work. [1932/00]
I am glad to inform the Deputy that the Office of Public Works on behalf of my Department has placed a contract for the first phase of restoration works to Maynooth Castle. The contractor should commence work on site in February with a view to completion by the end of the year.
This first phase of the project is a stand-alone scheme, which involves development of the ground floor vaulted areas for exhibition purposes together with access to the first floor and provision of small-scale guide and visitor facilities.
The estimated cost of the first phase of the project has now risen to £1.3 million based on tenders received. A total of £110,000 was spent up to end 1999 and expenditure in the current year is expected to be £1.1 million.
The remaining phase of the restoration will have to be considered in light of available resources available to my Department.
641 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will sanction restoration works to Connolly's Folly, Celbridge, County Kildare, in view of the increased capital budget in her Department for this restoration work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1933/00]
Since the Connolly Folly came into State care in 1993, fencing and gates have been erected at the folly in order to protect the site. It is apparent from a detailed survey which has been carried out that some restoration works are required. My Department's present priority remains, however, the extensive restoration programme for Castletown House itself. In this regard, Phase IV of the restoration works to Castletown is due to commence shortly.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the condition of the folly will continue to be closely monitored and restoration works will be undertaken as resources permit.
