Vol. 542 No. 1
108 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason no action has been taken on Kells, Grangefertagh Tower and Tullaherin Tower, County Kilkenny; and if a starting date on each of these sites will be established with an approximate completion date. [23577/01]
It is not correct to state that no action had been taken in relation to the properties mentioned by the Deputy. The present position on the projects is as follows. In the case of Kells Priory an initial phase of urgent masonry repair and conservation has been completed. This has allowed public access to the monument, without having to pass over the farmland within which the priory is situated. Accommodation for the workforce, which will be based in Kells, is being examined. Subject to the continued availability of funding, it is expected that the next phase of work will commence as soon as the accommodation is available. This project is still due for completion in 2003.
In the case of Grangefertagh, in response to a parliamentary question last July, I advised that the indications were that the scaffolding at Grangefertagh would be erected at the earliest by late September. The latest position is that the scaffolding will be erected this month.
In the case of Tullaherin, the erection of scaffolding at the site was hampered by bad weather at the end of 2000 and the spring of 2001 which caused ground conditions to deteriorate to such an extent that it would have been dangerous to erect the scaffolding. In addition, with the onset of the foot and mouth crisis this project could not proceed. The ground survey, which was required before commencement of works, has now been completed. It is now expected that the scaffolding will be erected in November. This will facilitate the assessment of its structural condition and a programme of works can then be drawn up.
109 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on the growing divide between Dúchas and the Heritage Council; her further views on recent remarks made by the heritage officer of An Taisce; the plans she has to fully review the protection of national monuments and the ability of Dúchas to discharge its duties in relation to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23578/01]
I am satisfied the Heritage Council and Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, have a constructive, productive and effective working relationship.
European Heritage Days was established over ten years ago as a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. One of its main aims is to raise the public awareness of heritage across Europe. In Ireland it is celebrated under the theme of National Heritage Week. This is a week when local people in local areas are encouraged to become aware of the wealth of heritage – built, natural, cultural, artistic and musical – that are to be found in their areas. While my Department co-ordinates the programme for Heritage Week and participates in the week at Dúchas heritage sites, the majority of events are planned and hosted by committed individuals and local groups or organisations who care about their local heritage and who are prepared to give up their leisure time to promote it. The participation of the public in Heritage Week events throughout the country contributes greatly to heritage awareness and I regret that such a positive initiative has been dismissed in recent comments in such a trivial and cynical manner.
I plan to consolidate the national monuments Acts and to update the legislation protecting this element of our heritage. I have every confidence in my Department's ability to discharge its functions on the protection of the heritage.
