Vol. 518 No. 1
78 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress made on the programme of better signage and information at national institutions and monuments for 2000; the expenditure allocated for 2000, if she will give examples of work carried out in 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10938/00]
During the year 2000 Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department intends to continue the programme of upgrading and provision of signage and information panels at national monument sites which was initiated some years ago. Since the programme commenced, information panels have been provided at over 350 individual national monument sites. When the programme is completed, appropriate signs will have been provided at all of the national monuments which are in State ownership.
While a specific allocation of funds has not been made for the implementation of the programme, the necessary funding is being made available from the general allocation for the conservation and presentation of national monuments within the Vote for my Department. In 1999, information panels were provided at approximately 84 individual national monument sites. Examples of such sites are Ballynacarriga Castle, County Cork; Mellifont Abbey, County Meath; Quin Abbey, County Clare; Ennis Abbey, County Clare and Kilfane Church, County Kilkenny.
A survey of visitors to fee-paying heritage sites managed by the heritage service of my Department carried out in 1999 showed that where visitors had complaints in relation to the site the absence of adequate road directional signs was one of the most frequent criticisms made. In view of this and the traffic movements generated by the 2.3 million fee-paying visitors to my Department's sites, a programme to upgrade road directional signs was initiated last year. So far surveys of over 30 such sites have been completed and the new signs will be provided in consultation with the local authorities. It is intended that signs will also be provided at all other fee-paying sites. In addition, signposting was provided to all of the national monuments for which my Department has responsibility in the Burren region of County Clare. Consideration will be given, subject to the availability of resources, to the extension of this programme to all of the heritage sites under the control of my Department.
As regards the cultural institutions, the position is that signage requirements are dealt with on an on-going basis between the relevant institution and the Office of Public Works. As various projects are undertaken at each institution, signage needs are identified and provided as appropriate. Such works continue in 2000.
