Vol. 555 No. 5
383 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views regarding the length of time it is taking to finish the work on Reginald's Tower, Waterford; the reason the pointing of the tower's exterior is taking so long; the cost of pointing work to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19024/02]
Work commenced in May 2001 on the repair and re-pointing of the exterior of Reginald's Tower. The re-pointing to date has cost approximately €56,000. The repair of heritage properties often involves a great deal of meticulous hand work and the use of techniques that are slower than modern building methods. Over the years Dúchas personnel have developed an expertise in this type of work and my Department is satisfied that, given the circumstances, adequate progress is being made. However, more recently the works team has been strengthened to ensure the re-pointing finishes there by mid 2003.
384 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the substantial sums of public money which were spent on the renovation of Gartan Gate Lodge, Glenveagh, without a budget schedule of works or specification; his views on whether this is acceptable; the reason these necessary controls were not put in place by Dúchas management locally or nationally; the amount which was spent on renovating the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19025/02]
The property in question was vacated in 1999 and it was decided to carry out some heating and plumbing works to the property to make it safe and comfortable to live in. However, during the course of addressing this matter, the scale of the works required increased significantly. The final cost of materials for the works amounted to £25,477. Since 2001 the National Parks and Wildlife Service of Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, applies a revised procedure for the estimation and approval of individual projects, as well as better cost control. Moreover, in the light of the experience on the particular project referred to, my Department is further reviewing the issue to ensure improved record keeping and cost controls on all jobs.
