Michael Bell
Question:339 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has to restore St. Laurence's Gate, Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18497/01]
Written Answers. - National Monuments.
At present my Department is giving consideration to undertaking a programme of conservation works on St. Laurence's Gate, Drogheda. A recent inspection of the monument showed that the condition of the pointing at battlement level is in poor condition. It is also proposed to place interpretative panels at the site. I have no proposals, however, to undertake a programme of restoration on this monument.
Liam Aylward
Question:340 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will instruct her Department to have the railings surrounding property (details supplied) in County Kilkenny painted. [18528/01]
While the church to which the Deputy refers, and a small area of the churchyard, is in State ownership, the railings surrounding the churchyard are not and the responsibility for painting these does not, therefore, lie with my Department. I understand that in past years these railings have been painted by the county council. I am not aware of any instance wherein my Department has prevented local people from painting these railings.