Vol. 535 No. 4
236 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if Dúchas has commissioned any examinations into the present structural state of the Wonderful Barn at Barnhall, Leixlip, County Kildare; the results of such examinations; if she will consider purchasing this unique historic building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12953/01]
No structural survey has been carried out by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, on the Wonderful Barn which is in private ownership.
While my Department is fully aware of the architectural and historical significance of the Wonderful Barn and of its historic links to the Castletown Demesne there is no provision under the current national development plan for State acquisition of the site and neither is this a realistic option for the foreseeable future in view of the ever-increasing and competing demands being placed on the public purse in heritage-related areas.
As I have already explained in answer to earlier parliamentary questions, the immediate priority is the restoration of Castletown House itself together with the provision of visitor facilities and works to the grounds and auxiliary buildings surrounding the house.
237 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the expenditure at Portumna Castle, County Galway for each of the years 1984-89. [12954/01]
238 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the expenditure at Portumna Castle, County Galway for each of the years 1978-83. [12955/01]
239 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the expenditure at Portumna Castle, County Galway for each of the years 1973-77. [12956/01]
240 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the expenditure at Portumna Castle for each of the years 1968-72. [12957/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 240, inclusive, together.
As work of only a routine maintenance nature was undertaken at Portumna Castle during the years 1968-89 the information sought by the Deputy is not available.
241 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of visitors and the revenue accrued for the years 1992-96 at Portumna Castle, County Galway. [12958/01]
Portumna Castle was first opened to the public in June 1994 and the visitor figures and revenue accrued are as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Visitors |
Revenue |
|
1994 |
2,257 |
£1,970.60 |
|
1995 |
3,302 |
£2,422.80 |
|
1996 |
8,676 |
£6,149.50 |
