Paul Connaughton
Question:203 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will expand further on statements made in relation to Portumna Castle (details supplied). [10416/02]
Written Answers. - National Monuments.
Paul Connaughton
Question:204 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason the need to study, preserve and present fabric that does survive as outlined in a reply to previous parliamentary questions should now be applied to Portumna Castle; and if these three factors should go hand-in-hand with the ongoing work programme. [10417/02]
Paul Connaughton
Question:205 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason the principle of conjecture as outlined in reply to previous parliamentary questions should now be applied selectively and exclusively to Portumna Castle, in view of the fact that this castle is almost fully restored after 33 years work. [10418/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 203, 204 and 205 together.
The surviving remains of Portumna Castle, garden and demesne are of unique national architectural and historical significance and the setting and extent of the national monument would be considered of international importance.
The presentation and interpretation of these remains provides the "additional possibility" of developing the potential of the site as a cultural resource in terms of academic research, conservation skills training with local community involvement and tourism.
Inaccurate or conjectural restoration would detract from the integrity of the national monument. Restoration of a number of elements of the castle – mainly the roof, main floors and front garden - was based on evidence gained from research and the study of surviving features.
Due to the intensive fire of the 19th century very little remains of the elaborate interior finishes of the castle and consequently my Department is of the view that a full accurate restoration of Portumna Castle is not feasible.
I should also re-iterate that €3,948,263 has been spent to date at Portumna Castle and that there is an ongoing commitment to providing a visitor service at the site.