Vol. 520 No. 4
181 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of employees in her Department employed specifically to enforce the National Monuments Acts to ensure the adequate protection of our national monuments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15969/00]
There are no staff in my Department employed specifically to enforce the National Monuments Acts. However there is a national monuments division within my Department that is responsible for the protection and preservation of our national monuments. When damage to a recorded monument is reported, my officials investigate the matter and a prosecution under the National Monuments Acts may ensue, if appropriate.
Local authorities have similar responsibility under the National Monuments Act as my own Department in relation to the protection of our built heritage.
182 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that structural cracks have now appeared in the 12th century round tower at Tullaherin, County Kilkenny and that the base is bulging; the amount spent on the upkeep of the monument; the amount it is intended to spend to correct this very dangerous position; and the timeframe within which it will be completed. [16098/00]
Tullaherin round tower which is in State ownership is inspected on a regular basis. Routine maintenance at nominal cost is carried out, as required. I am aware that there are significant cracks in the masonry and bulging at the base of the tower. An engineer from my Department inspected the tower in 1994 and again in 1999 and photographic evidence does not show any obvious deterioration between the two inspections.
Following recent advertisements for stone masons in local and national newspapers it is hoped that my Department will be in a position to recruit skilled workers which will allow it to carry out repairs at this site and also at other sites where I have given a commitment to a programme of works.
It is not possible to estimate the cost of repairs until the preliminary work of cleaning of vegetation, scaffolding and clearing out the inside of the tower is complete. This will allow a more detailed assessment of the structural condition of the tower and the measures required to conserve it.
