asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement regarding the closure of the Swiss Cottage at Cahir, County Tipperary, two weeks after the official opening, having regard to the cost to the State of renovation of this local tourist attraction; if he will give an assurance that this facility will be opened to the public on Sundays during the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Swiss Cottage (Tipperary) Closure.
63.
The Swiss Cottage was opened to the public on 1 September on completion of the restoration works, which were largely funded by The Port Royal Foundation. This was done with a view to facilitating visitors before the end of the main tourist season. An opening period of two weeks was envisaged but this was extended until Sunday 24 September and a notice to that effect was printed in a local newspaper; as is the practice at all but a small number of national monument sites, the Swiss Cottage will not be open during the winter months. However, arrangements can be made for group visits in the off-season by contacting the caretaker well in advance of the proposed visit; a guide service will be provided in the June to September period next year.