Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Appointments.

John McGuinness

Question:

167 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will sanction a full-time guide for the full year for Dunmore Caves, County Kilkenny, in view of the new interests in the caves due to the recent finds and in further view of the fact that there were 40,000 visitors to the caves in the nine months of 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22422/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss De Valera)

Guided tours are provided at Dunmore Caves daily during the high season, usually March to October, and for the rest of the year at weekends and bank holidays. These arrangements also apply at other sites with comparable visitor numbers.

Tours for groups can be arranged for off-season weekdays by special arrangement.