Vol. 525 No. 5
116 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, in relation to the Rock of Dunamaise, Port Laoise, County Laois, she will prepare an overall comprehensive plan on the future conservation and preservation of the rock as an historic monument of some consequence; the medium to long-term plan for the rock and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25396/00]
My Department has undertaken archaeological excavation and a detailed site survey of the Rock of Dunamaise to expand the knowledge and history of the site and to clarify the purpose and sequence of the structures which survive there. In this way an informed judgment can now be made as to how the conservation works should proceed. On this basis, a schedule for a pilot programme of conservation works has been prepared and is due to go to tender soon. The results of this pilot programme of conservation works will allow for a full specification and schedule of works to be prepared as well as a working methodology to be established. It is envisaged that these works will continue over the lifetime of the current NDP, up to 2006.
The programme involves the following elements: conservation of vulnerable masonry structures such as the gate tower and the inner ward wall which were uncovered during excavation; conservation of all other structures; provision of safe access; ground clearance and presentation; provision of information signs-panels; floodlighting.
