Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 2

Written Answers. - Bective Abbey, County Meath.

Colm M. Hilliard

Ceist:

45 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has to take in charge Bective Abbey in County Meath; the further plans, if any, he has to carry out refurbishment work; and if the plans include the provision of a car-park at the Abbey. [3408/95]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. J. Higgins)

Bective Abbey, and some adjoining lands, were purchased by the Commissioners of Public Works in November 1993. Conservation works were carried out at the abbey over the last number of years and it is now in an excellent state of preservation.

Subject to the approval of the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, the Office of Public Works would like to improve visitor facilities at the site. This work would include car parking. Discussions have been held with Meath County Council in order to co-ordinate the work with the council's road plans for the area. These discussions have not been concluded and, at this stage, I cannot say when the work will be carried out.