Vol. 518 No. 6
447 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, in providing flood lights at Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, County Kilkenny; and when the work will be complete. [12601/00]
It had been hoped to commence a programme of essential conservation works at Jerpoint Abbey this year. As part of this programme, it is also proposed to provide an extension to the visitor-reception building for which additional lands are being sought and which will require planning permission. However, there are difficulties in acquiring the lands in question and this will delay commencement of any works. The possibility of floodlighting will be considered as part of the overall electrical layout of the works having regard to the potential problems which could emerge as a result of incursions into a cemetery area which remains in use and the archaeological implications of ground disturbance.
