Vol. 521 No. 3
137 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will initiate the necessary steps to establish ownership of Ballybunion Castle, County Kerry, in order that it can be placed on the Heritage Council's building at risk register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16995/00]
As the Deputy will be aware, it has not proved easy to identify the owners of Ballybunion Castle but Kerry County Council is making every effort to do so. The Heritage Council has been approached for assistance towards the conservation of the castle but it will not consider grant-aid until its ownership has been established and the structure has been put on their buildings at risk register.
A meeting took place between officials of my Department and officials of Kerry County Council on 2 June 2000, to discuss the future of the castle. At that meeting it was agreed that Kerry Council should proceed to erect scaffolding around the castle so that it could be inspected jointly by representatives of my Department and of the council to determine what safety works are needed to safeguard the ruin. The emphasis at this stage must, of necessity, be on safety rather than restoration works. I have been informed by the county council that the scaffolding at Ballybunion Castle should be in place in early July.
