John V. Farrelly
Ceist:10 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the historic properties, if any, she will acquire in 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6525/98]
Other Questions. - National Monuments and Historic Properties.
The Deputy will be interested to know that the number of national monuments and historic properties under the aegis of my Department has increased significantly since 1990, the most recently acquired being the 17th century Kilmacurragh House and Arboretum in County Wicklow. Negotiations are currently in progress between officials of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, and various concerned parties with a view to acquiring a number of additional properties of major heritage significance. In any given year the number of such properties could be of the order of five or six but, given the nature of property acquisition, it would not be appropriate to identify such properties until the negotiations have been completed. I can inform the Deputy, however, that some funds are at my disposal to acquire properties — whether national monuments or historic properties or lands adjacent thereto to enhance their presentation — and I intend to continue a prudent acquisitions policy as opportunities and resources permit.
Will the Minister indicate the amount of money available to her this year? If properties in which the Department has not expressed an interest to date became available during the year would sufficient resources be available to acquire them?
The Deputy will appreciate that I will make the best possible use of moneys that become available. There are a number of national monuments, historic properties and related lands which the State would like to acquire but such acquisition would depend on the resources available. The Department is interested in acquiring such properties and there has been a significant increase in the acquisition of properties since 1990. There are a number of properties in which we have a particular interest and negotiations are taking place. Given the nature of property acquisition it would not be appropriate for me to speak about individual properties. Hopefully, when and if they are acquired we will be able to announce it to the Deputy.
Will the Minister indicate when Kilmacurragh House and Arboretum will be finally handed over? The acquisition process has taken some time, indeed it goes back to my period in office. Particularly as an arboretum is involved, would the acquisition not be facilitated by an increase in the staff of the Botanic Gardens? There would be a requirement for the classification of plants and the Minister would have my support in any case she might make for an increase in the staff of the Botanic Gardens to facilitate the more expeditious transfer of properties to the State.
I agree that we could do with more staff in the Botanic Gardens. We could do with more staff in every area of the Department's operation. As the Deputy will be aware the Department is growing and has diffuse responsibilities.
We will help the Minister.
Deputies will be aware of the stringencies with regard to staffing in Departments. Kilmacurragh House and Arboretum has been recently acquired. I will convey fuller details to the Deputy.
Will the Minister consider the case of Lismore Castle, County Waterford, which is one of the most historic properties in Ireland? It is the home of the Devonshire family and part of the building is inhabited by the family. Part of the castle needs renovation and refurbishment and could be opened to the public. It is a very historic building. Not only was it the home of the Dukes of Devonshire for many centuries but also the home of the famous son of the Earl of Cork, Sir Robert Boyle, originator of Boyle's law in physics——
Has the Deputy a question?
It is of great historic interest and is a magnificent structure which overlooks the River Blackwater. The Minister should consider the acquisition and refurbishment of the dormant parts of the building to make it accessible to the public.
I understand the Deputy's interest in the matter. I do not doubt that the property is of great historic interest. However, he will be aware of the financial constraints which arise in the context of not just acquiring properties but having funds to run and maintain them. If the Deputy wishes to make representations on the matter I will consider them.
It is the most historic castle in Ireland.
The Minister has not indicated whether there is enough money for acquisitions this year. With regard to staffing, is it not the case that acquisitions are delayed because there is a minimum staff in that area in the Department?
Would it not be better to utilise professional expertise in the private sector to complete some of those acquisitions because a good deal of tourist sites are available that could be included in the historical monument area?
In the last paragraph of my reply I stated there were some sums at my disposal to acquire properties and that I intend to continue a prudent acquisitions policy as opportunities and resources permit. I repeated that to the Deputy who asked a question in that regard. I reiterate to Deputy Carey the point I made to Deputy Deasy. It is not only a question of being in a position to acquire these properties, it is also a question of having the necessary financial resources for their upkeep.