My Department was advised by the Office of Public Works in 2003 that additional expenditure of approximately €26.4 million would be required between 2003 and 2009 to carry out conservation works to the main buildings, development works to the demesne and other necessary works to facilitate public access and to allow the development of Lissadell House as a major visitor attraction. The costings were prepared in the context of an assessment of the total costs of acquiring, restoring and presenting the house to the public. As the house was and remains a property in private ownership, it would be inappropriate for me to divulge the professional advice provided on the costs likely to be required for the purchase and development of the house for presentation to the public without infringing on the privacy of the current owners.