Vol. 518 No. 6
450 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide a detailed report on progress made in relation to the integrated development plan for the Boyne Valley; the amount of money spent on each of the projects to date; the amount of money allocated to the various agencies by her Department in each of the years from 1997 to 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12671/00]
As indicated in a reply to a similar question from the Deputy on 2 March 1999, while the funding of the many activities addressed under the Boyne Valley integrated development plan is a matter for the individual executive agencies concerned as part of their ongoing responsibilities, a sub-programme specifically associated with the plan is also being pursued by my Department. Work being undertaken as part of this sub-programme includes the development of a long-distance walk between Slane and Oldbridge and improved access and information at Bective Abbey, Slane and Loughcrew.
From 1997 to date, payments totalling £560,000 have been made to Meath County Council to enable work on these projects to get under way. Further allocations will be made as work progresses.
Overall, I believe that progress has been made in the implementation of the elements of the BVIDP being administered by my Department. In addition to the projects I detailed, work on Trim Castle will be complete in the very near future, as will work on the restoration of Grange Castle, a project which allows for the creation of a western gateway attraction to the Boyne Valley near Clonard.
I am also delighted to report that work is proceeding apace on the development of the Battle of the Boyne site. The Battle of the Boyne project is one that accords fully with the objectives of the BVIDP and when complete will add a new, exciting dimension to the attractiveness of the area of the Boyne Valley.
