Michael Ring
Question:270 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department or Dúchas will help a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to restore a historical cross on her lands. [13498/00]
Written Answers. - National Monuments.
My Department is responsible for the maintenance and conservation of approximately 900 monuments in the care of the State. Most of the 120,000 recorded monuments in Ireland are, in fact, not in State ownership. As the cross referred to by the Deputy is not in State care I do not have a role to play in funding its restoration.
However, I must point out that the mound on which the cross is situated is entered in the record of monuments and places for County Mayo, thus affording it protection under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-1994. As a result of this protection the owner of the cross must give two months written notice to my Department of any proposals to carry out works to it which have a bearing on or which are connected to the mound.
If the owner of the cross so wishes he or she can make direct contact with officials of Dúchas, the heritage service, who will happily advise as to the nature of any restoration which may be undertaken.
John McGuinness
Question:271 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will have an immediate investigation carried out into the condition of national monuments in the south east, particularly sites (details supplied), each of which are in an advanced stage of deterioration; the reason no advertisements have been placed in local or national papers in view of the fact that labour and tradesmen are frequently said to be scarce; the reason work which was to commence in January 2000 on one site (details supplied) has not started; and the action she intends to take on this matter. [13519/00]
The programme of conservation works relating to the tower at Kells Priory has been delayed due to the shortage of skilled workers available to my Department. Newspaper advertisements have now been prepared and are scheduled to appear in this week's local and national newspapers. The level of activity should increase once these positions are filled.
Dunbrody Abbey which is in State guardianship is inspected on a regular basis and urgent repairs are carried out as required. A programme of works proposed under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 is being considered.
Parts of the claustral building at Duiske Abbey are in State ownership. Some conservation works have been carried out including demolition of some later structures which were in a dangerous condition. It is proposed to carry out further works over the next few years.
Coolhill Castle which is in State ownership is generally in good condition. Routine maintenance works will be carried out this year which will mainly involve the removal of vegetation from the inside of the building.
While the sites referred to by the Deputy require conservation as I have described, I am satisfied that they are not in an advanced state of deterioration but I will continue to have them monitored regularly.