Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 5

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

127 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when work will commence on the further restoration and development of Doneraile Court and Park, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8509/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

In 1996 my predecessor published a proposed strategic plan for Doneraile Court and Demesne. This plan was prepared by an independent consultant after obtaining the views of interested groups and individuals. During a three month period of public consultation, a number of submissions were received, all of which supported the thrust of the plan.

One of the plan's main recommendations is the opening of part of the house to the public. In order to ascertain the integrity of the building and its suitability for public access from both a safety and conservation point of view, Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department who manage this site, arranged a comprehensive structural survey of the house. This survey is now completed and I expect to receive a report shortly. Preliminary examinations indicate, however, that further building works may be required in Doneraile Court before it can be opened to the public.

The demesne or park is already open to the public. The plan recommends the reconstruction of certain historical features in the parkland. A decision on the features requiring reconstruction will be made in the light of the funds that are available for improvements to the court and demesne.