Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - Botanic Gardens Refurbishment.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

114 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the current progress on the refurbishment and redevelopment of the Botanical Gardens, Dublin 11; when the work was begun; the costs to date; the progress, if any, on glasshouse refurbishment and other items; if he will give an estimate of other works to be done; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[12287/97]

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

Development works are being carried out at the National Botanic Gardens in accordance with the objectives outlined in the 1992 management plan for the gardens.

The first phase of works, completed in early 1996, involved the faithful restoration of the curvilinear range of glasshouses, the restoration of the director's house and works to the orchid, fern and aquatic glasshouses at a total cost of some £5.4 million. The provision of a new library-herbarium, including fit out, at an estimated cost of £2.5 million is near completion. Other works recently carried out, or in progress, include the provision of new compost storage bays, the upgrading of security fencing, renewal of footpaths, and the refurbishment of the curator's residence at a total cost sf £194,000.

The next phase of works planned is the provision of visitor and educational facilities, which also necessitates rearrangement of glasshouses. As some of this work has just been tendered for it would not be appropriate to give estimated costs at this stage.

The future restoration of the palm house is at an early stage of consideration and structural surveys have recently been carried out. No estimate of cost for this restoration is yet available.