Vol. 506 No. 1
16 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has to provide better information signage at national institutions and monuments for 1999; the locations where improved information signage will be provided in 1999; the budget allocated for this proposal; and the projected timescale for the completion of the programme. [14706/99]
I am committed to improving the standard of information available to the public at national monument sites throughout the country.
I was concerned that for many years there had been an inconsistency in the approach to signage at properties managed by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department. In order to address this situation and to help to ensure standardisation in the quality and design of information panels at Dúchas sites, Dúchas has just produced a sign system manual. This manual is now the corporate design manual for Dúchas signage throughout the country and will help to ensure that in coming years, there will be consistency in signage at Dúchas sites. The manual has been circulated to all Dúchas depots.
This issue of improved information signage is also being addressed in a tangible way through a major signage programme currently in train at national monument sites. This extensive programme will continue for several years, and a list of the sites which will benefit under the current phase of the programme follows for the information of Deputies. The current phase of the programme, which concerns panels to be supplied in 1998-99, includes some 100 information panels which are scheduled to be delivered to the national monuments district depots from July 1999 onwards for distribution and erection at the individual sites. It will take several years, and considerable costs and effort to complete this programme but I am fully committed to this course of action.
There are two different types of information panel involved. The production cost, including research, text preparation, translations, illustrations, design, manufacture and supply, is £2,819 each for the larger type and £1,393 each for the smaller panel. The total contract price for the current phase of the programme is approximately £192,000, excluding VAT.
In addition to my policy of improving information panels at national monument sites, I am also working with a number of local authorities to improve directional signs to Dúchas sites. The main example of such co-operation is with Clare County Council, which has agreed to provide more than 20 such signs in County Clare at my Department's expense. I am convinced that this investment will improve greatly the quality of the visitor experience to the Dúchas sites concerned.
List of Sites recommended for Information Panels 1998-99
County Kerry
Ballynavemoor
Beginish Island
"Chancellor's House" Caherdorgan Nth.
Monastic Site, Church Island
Dunanaoir Promontary Fort
Illancloughan Eccles Site
Ross Castle
County Limerick
Cush
Liscarroll Castle
County Cork
Maughansilly
Curraghbinny
Ballycrovane ogham stone
Ard Sleagh Church
Ballynacarriga Castle
Castlelyons Abbey
Cape Clear Church and Cross
Coole Church
Farranhineeny
Island Wedge Gallery Grave
Killeenemer Church
Kilnamane
Knocknakilla
Mallow Castle
Youghal North Abbey
County Tipperary
Kilcash Castle
County Carlow
Aghade Holed Stone
Killoughternane Church
Grangefertagh Round Tower and Church
Thomastown Church
County Dublin
Clondalkin Round Tower-Tully's Castle
St. Mary's Abbey
Lusk Round Tower-Medieval Tower
Kilmashogue Wedge Tomb
Balrothery Church
County Kildare
Jigginstown House
County Louth
Castleroche
Dronskin Round Tower, Church, Cross
Roodstown Castle
Termonfeckin Castle
Mellifont Abbey
County Monaghan
Clones Round Tower, Cross, Church
County Wicklow
Kilcoole Church
Threecastles Castle
County Meath
Bective Abbey
Cannistown Church
Cruicetown Church, Cross
Donore Castle
Yellow Steeple, Trim
Tara
Trim
County Clare
Poulnabrone
Carron Church
An Rath
Corcomroe Abbey
Oughtmama Churches
Kilfenora
Leameneh Castle
Gleninagh Castle
Cahercommaun
Cahermore
Templecronan Church
Cahermacnaghten
Dysert O'Dea
Canon Island
Quin Abbey
Ennis Friary
Carrigaholt Castle
Inishcaltra
Drumcliff
Mooghaun
This list identifies sites intended for signage under the current phase, but it is subject to alteration should other sites be subsequently identified as needing information panels as a greater priority.
That concludes Question Time for today.
What about our hedgerows?
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate
