Vol. 492 No. 6
146 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will make funding available immediately to carry out the necessary improvements on access to a national monument (details supplied) in County Cork. [14709/98]
Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has completed a survey of the monument referred to by the Deputy and drawn up proposals for conservation works which require to be carried out. These works will be undertaken on a phased basis commencing in October next. Following completion of the conservation programme, further presentation works will be undertaken, involving the upgrading of the access to the monument and the laying of a gravel path around it. The site will continue to be maintained on an ongoing basis by Dúchas.
147 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide a progress report on the provision of an appropriate St. Patrick statue on the Hill of Tara, County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14750/98]
I am aware that a competition for the replacement of the statue at an appropriate site at Tara was held among reputable Irish artists. The five entries received were displayed at Tara and the views of the public obtained.
A recommendation was made by a selection committee, which comprised representatives of the local community, the Arts Council, the Association of Artists in Ireland, the Office of Public Works and my Department. This recommendation was accepted and the winner of the competition announced.
The local community subsequently rejected the selected design and commenced negotiations with my Department on a possible alternative solution. I received representations about this matter some time ago and met a deputation from the local community. As a result of that meeting, efforts are being made by my Department to arrive at a mutually satisfactory solution.
