Vol. 495 No. 7
573 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department will make funding available to protect and restore the national heritage site of St. Mary's church and graveyard off High Street, Kilkenny; and if she will consider priority funding in 1999 in the absence of a plan. [21183/98]
My Department has no funds available to cover the preservation of national monuments other than those where I am the owner or guardian. As I am neither the owner nor guardian of St. Mary's Church and graveyard, I am not in a position to fund its protection or restoration.
The Deputy will, however, be aware that the main source of public funds for heritage projects is the Heritage Council, which is a statutory, autonomous body established under the Heritage Act, 1995. Under that Act, the council has powers to provide advice and assistance (including financial assistance) in relation to the protection, preservation and promotion of the physical heritage, including the built heritage. The council is located in Rothe House, Kilkenny City (Telephone number 056-70777 and fax 056-70788). It should be noted that, although my Department funds the Heritage Council, I have no function in relation to decisions by it on the disbursal of grants.
The Deputy will also be aware of plans for a new system of protection and grant-aid for buildings and structures of interest which I have advanced in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Funding for grant-aid towards the cost of repair and maintenance of such buildings and structures is due to come on stream from next year.
574 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, her Department has to protect the heritage site of Kells Priory, County Kilkenny; if the scaffolding which was erected on this site some years ago can be removed; if it is the intention of her Department to remove the tiles which were found on the site some years ago or to display this tile find on site; if the tiles are deemed to be safe while stored in a mound on site; if proper signs will be provided on the approach roads to indicate Kells Priory; if she will outline the work to commence in 1998; and the plans, if any, there are for 1999. [21184/98]
Scaffolding which is currently on site is intended to restrict public access to the tower area of the priory for safety reasons until essential works are carried out. Works which it is intended to carry out this year include the provision of a pedestrian stile and an access for the disabled at the watergate, as well as the repair of a damaged wall. It is intended to commence a more extensive programme of conversation works in 1999, and it will be necessary to retain the scaffolding for the duration of those works.
A substantial number of medieval tiles have already been removed from the priory site and are in storage in my Department pending the completion of the archaeological report on the excavation at Kells Priory. While a number of fragmented pieces of tiling remain on site and have been covered over for security reasons, I am not aware that these are under threat. While the removal of these fragmented tiles to elsewhere on site would require the agreement of the National Museum of Ireland, I am sympathetically disposed to the idea of displaying this material on site.
Adequate sign-posting of Kells Priory was provided in the village but, because of local objection, it was initally moved and then withdrawn pending agreement with local interests which I hope will be forthcoming.
575 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands when the signs indicating heritage sites in County Kilkenny will be updated in view of their poor state of repair. [21185/98]
In the last five years a project was undertaken in County Kilkenny to put in place both finger post and advance notification signs to the national monument sites in County Kilkenny of which I am the owner or the guardian. Accordingly, all signs to such sites are now considered to be in good condition. Apart from necessary alterations to incorporate the new logo of my Department, it is not, therefore, intended to update the signs.
576 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, her Department is taking to protect the national monument in Kilkenny city known locally as the hole in the wall which is in private ownership and deteriorating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21186/98]
The site referred to has, pursuant to section 12 (1) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, been included in the record of monument and places for County Kilkenny and, as such, is considered to be adequately protected.
Arresting the deterioration in condition of the national monument would involve a programme of conservation works. My Department has no funds available to cover the cost of preservation of national monuments in private ownership as all my resources are directed towards the protection and preservation of national monuments that are in my care.
