Under the national development plan I propose to carry out the following works at the sites referred to by the Deputy.
Bective Abbey, County Meath.
I propose providing a reception building, public toilets and a car park. To allow this project to proceed a land purchase is required. Early progress is therefore dependent on concluding a successful purchase and the receipt of planning permission. Subject to the foregoing I would expect work at the site to get under way during 2002 and to be completed during 2004.
St. Eric's Hermitage at Slane, County Meath.
I intend undertaking essential conservation works at this site. However, before these works can be commenced it will be necessary to transfer the property from the current owner to my Department. Discussions in this regard have been ongoing for some time. Subject to a successful transfer of the lands in question, I expect the conservation works to commence during 2002 and to be completed before the end of 2003.
Trim Town Hall and Trim Castle, County Meath.