National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2016

Thursday, 21 July 2016

Questions (399)

John McGuinness

Question:

399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the dates on which the OPW carried out works on Durrow Abbey House, Tullamore, County Offaly; if he will intervene in the escalating dispute between his Department and the Arts for Peace Foundation; the funds or grants that were committed to the foundation and the Ministers who were involved in leasing the house to the project; if he will consider the use of an independent mediator, agreed by both sides, in the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23657/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Durrow Abbey House is held by the Arts for Peace Foundation (AFP) on a full repairing and insuring lease. I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland that they undertook emergency remedial works to prevent water ingress to Durrow Abbey in May/June 2016. In January 2012 the sum of €250,000 was allocated for essential works to the fabric of the property subject to standard governance and financial criteria being applied. The Ministers involved in leasing this property were Minister John Gormley T.D., and Minister of State, Mr. Tom Parlon, T.D.

My officials are available to meet with AFP at any time to discuss how the matter might be resolved. However, as this matter is under legal consideration I am not in a position to make any further statement at this time.