Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beech Park (Dublin) Historic Gardens.

Liam Lawlor

Ceist:

76 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the steps, if any, he will take to bring into public ownership the historic 17 century gardens at Beech Park, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, which are rated as the 12th most important gardens in Europe and which are being presented for public auction; his views on whether the owners of the land would look favourably on public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9103/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I share the Deputy's interest in the future of the historic gardens in question, located at Beech Park, Clonsilla, and in the question of their possible public acquisition. However, the Deputy will understand that in the context of scarce resources, priorities for such State intervention must be established. I have, therefore, requested the advice of the National Heritage Council in relation to the priority which should be assigned to this particular property.