Vol. 515 No. 5
90 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the budget proposed in respect of the restoration works at the Geraldine Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare; the moneys already spent; the amount remaining; the estimated cost to fully complete the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6499/00]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 1 Feabhra 2000 in relation to Maynooth Castle. The estimated cost of the first phase is £1.3 million and the sum of £124,000 has been spent on the project to date.
The remaining phase of the restoration will have to be considered in light of available resources available to my Department. It is not possible at this stage to give an order of costs for this final phase.
91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has carried out any recent structural examination of Connolly's Folly, Maynooth, County Kildare; if she will report in this regard; if it is intended to carry out any improvement works to safeguard the structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6500/00]
My Department has undertaken a detailed survey of the Conolly Folly and it is clear from the survey that some restoration works are required. However, I must advise you that my Department's present priority remains the extensive restoration programme for Castletown House itself. In this regard, the next phase of the restoration works to Castletown is due to commence shortly.
I assure the Deputy that the condition of the folly will continue to be closely monitored and restoration works will be undertaken as resources permit.
