Vol. 404 No. 1
81 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress which has been made in connection with the recommendations by the National Heritage Council for improvement and maintenance works to the buildings, greenhouses and gardens of the National Botanic Gardens, Drumcondra, Dublin 9; and if he has satisfied himself that the Botanic Gardens are of a high standard in keeping with Dublin hosting the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1991.
The principal recommendations in the National Heritage Council report on the National Botanic Gardens relate to ministerial responsibility for the gardens and to the strengthening of the scientific, horticultural and amenity roles of the gardens. The report is being considered.
Planning for the restoration of the curvilinear range of glasshouses is well advanced and it is hoped to commence work next year. The cost of restoring the glasshouses will be £4.5 million. Work on the replacement of a smaller glasshouse, known as the Camelia House, is near completion. In addition, £100,000 is being provided in 1991 for other capital works in the gardens.
