Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:47 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of heritage centres and their location; the number, if any, planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24825/98]
Written Answers - Heritage Centres.
Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, has responsibility for over 740 heritage sites in its care. It provides visitor facilities and guided tours at 62 of these sites throughout the country. Details of these sites, including opening arrangements and admission prices, are provided in the heritage sites booklet and I am arranging to provide the Deputy with a copy of the 1998 booklet. The visitor numbers to those heritage sites with visitor facilities has shown a steady increase over the last five years — in excess of two million people visited these sites last year. It is anticipated that the numbers will show a further increase this year and with the introduction of new sites next year, I am confident that this successful trend can continue.
I am pleased to announce that three new visitor facilities are expected to be opened to the public in 1999. These are Dún Aonghasa, Kilmurvey, Inishmore, Aran Islands — a pre-historic stone fort overlooking the Atlantic ocean; St Audoen's Church, High Street, Dublin 8 — a medieval urban parish church, and Reginald's Tower, Waterford city — a 13th century Norman tower, to be run in conjunction with Waterford Corporation. In addition, Castletown House, County Kildare will reopen to the public in 1999 following completion of phase two of restoration works to the main house.