Vol. 527 No. 5
197 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received the detailed report on proposals for restoration work and the costings for same in relation to Connolly's Folly, Celbridge, County Kildare; the cost of the restoration work; when the work will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29181/00]
The position remains unchanged from that outlined in response to a series of similar parliamentary questions on this issue, the most recent of which was answered by me on 14 November last. I again inform the Deputy that the priority for Castletown continues to be restoration of the house itself together with the provision of visitor facilities and works to the grounds and ancillary buildings surrounding the house.
A restoration scheme for the Connolly Folly will have to wait until a later stage. The Deputy will be aware in that regard that the project does not form part of the schedule of heritage projects under the national development plan announced by me some weeks ago. Substantial resources were, however, allocated for works associated with the house and grounds. As detailed planning at this stage for a restoration scheme for the folly would clearly be premature, I do not intend to initiate this for the present.
As advised previously, remedial works have already been undertaken at the folly and I assure the Deputy that the condition of it will continue to be monitored.
