Vol. 519 No. 5
264 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, in relation to the inspection of a site (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the work required on the steeple at this location; and if the site was inspected in January 2000. [14124/00]
The inspection of Grangefertagh Round Tower, which was scheduled to be carried out early in the year with the assistance of a crane, was postponed due to unsuitable ground conditions. It is expected that this inspec tion will now be carried out in June provided the ground conditions are then favourable and permission is obtained from the local authority, which owns the surrounding graveyard, to dismantle the gate pier to facilitate access for the crane. My Department is awaiting the response of the local authority engineer in this matter.
266 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plan her Department has for Woodstock Castle, Athy, County Kildare; if she will ensure that such plans are expedited as soon as possible given that the town now has heritage status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14227/00]
Woodstock Castle is not in State ownership and consequently my Department has no plans to carry out any works there. I understand that it is in the care of the local authority and as such responsibility for its maintenance lies with that body.
The castle is entered in the record of monuments and places for County Kildare, thus affording it protection under the National Monument Acts, 1930-1994. This requires the owner or occupier to give two months written notice to my Department of any proposals to carry out any works at the site.
I note that Athy has been designated as a heritage town. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department is in the process of surveying the town as part of its activities under the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. The results of this survey will add considerably to the knowledge of the town's architectural heritage which will serve to enhance its heritage town status.
267 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, her Department has for development or maintenance work at any of the historical monuments or venues (details supplied) in south Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14229/00]
A programme of works are in progress at Moone High Cross. It is expected that the grouting of the church walls will commence in mid-summer. This will allow the grout to consolidate in preparation for the erection of the roof which is it is hoped to commence in October.
Castledermot Abbey, Castledermot High Crosses and Castledermot Tower which are in State care are inspected on a regular basis and minor conservation works are carried out as required. There are no plans for any further works at these sites.
