Vol. 536 No. 2
370 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on whether the Round Tower in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 is a heritage monument which ought to be preserved; if the building of apartments adjacent to the tower would detract from its value as a heritage monument; if she will use her influence to persuade Dúchas to take this land into public ownership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13649/01]
Clondalkin round tower is a national monument in the care of my Department and is actively conserved by my Department. I have no plans, however, to enter into discussions to purchase additional lands adjoining the monument. With regard to the proposed development of apartments and a heritage centre close by the tower, I am satisfied that, if a number of specific conditions which my Department has outlined to South Dublin County Council are implemented, the development will not have an adverse impact on the monument itself. The conditions outlined to the council relate to the protection of the archaeological area, visual impact assessments, buffer zones. My Department has also asked that the proposed heritage centre should interpret, to a high standard for the public, the history of the tower in Clondalkin and the early medieval ecclesiastical enclosure with which it was associated, while at the same time tracing the tower's subsequent restoration and remodelling. My Department has also indicated to the council that it is prepared to assist with the training of guides for the proposed centre so they are capable of providing the same standard of service which is available at my Department's sites across the country.
371 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the numbers of persons employed at restoration and building works at both Portumna Castle and at the centre at Athenry Castle for each of the past six years; and the expenditure at each centre for 2000 and 2001. [13752/01]
The direct labour force employed by my Department in the maintenance and conservation of national monuments in State care is a mobile work force, fluctuating in number, not based at specific sites but rather operating from depots. Thus, information on the number of hours spent on maintenance and conservation works at specific national monuments such as Portumna Castle and Athenry Castle over the past 6 years is not readily available. Expenditure details for Athenry Castle and Portumna Castle are as follows:
|
2000 |
2001(up to 30 April) |
|
|
Athenry Castle |
£15,379 |
£13,031 |
|
Portumna Castle |
£296,000 |
£93,380 |
