Vol. 518 No. 5
181 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the capital projects financed by her Department which have commenced or will commence construction in the Waterford constituency during 2000; the amount involved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12161/00]
182 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the new services or extension to existing services which have commenced or will commence in the Waterford constituency funded by her during 2000; the amount involved in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12162/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.
Works have commenced at St. John's Castle, Dungarvan. These works include the restoration of the barrack building for use as visitor's reception, provision of exhibition and guide facilities. Conservation works are also in progress on the 13th century shell keep and enclosing bawn wall. The estimated cost of this project is £1.4 million which is part funded under the EU operational programme for tourism.
Works are also in progress at the French Church-Reginald's Tower. These works include provision of exhibition at Reginald's Tower and completion of conservation and presentation works at French Church. These works comprise masonry cleaning, repointing and the repair and conservation of carved stonework. Visitor access will be improved and information panels will be provided. The estimated cost of this project is £380,000, most of which is funded under the EU operational programme for tourism.
A grant of £100,000 was sanctioned by my Department this year to Comhairle Pobail na Rinne under Scéimeanna Feabhsúcháin sa Ghaeltacht in respect of the development of Halla na Rinne, Dún Garbhán. Work on this project is currently in progress, and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
A grant of £140,000 was sanctioned by my Department in 1998 to Coláiste na Rinne under the aforementioned scheme in respect of the building of a sports hall at Coláiste na Rinne. It is expected that work on this project may commence by the end of this year.
