Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
Alan Shatter
Ceist:
250
Mr. Shatter
asked the
Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands
if she will provide funding for South Dublin County Council for the restoration and development of the courtyards and outbuildings adjacent to Rathfarnham Castle; and the plans, if any, for the further restoration of the castle and its grounds.
[9802/00]
I am concerned about the restoration and future use of the outbuildings at Rathfarnham Castle, first, from the point of view of their close relationship with the castle itself and, second, because they are protected by a preservation order, 1986, and were designated as a national monument with the castle in 1996.
My Department has been in regular contact with South Dublin County Council to try to agree a plan for this site which is acceptable to all concerned. As the Deputy is already aware, a contentious proposal for a hotel development to which my Department lodged an objection was refused planning permission. As a prerequisite to any development on site, my Department requested South Dublin County Council to engage a consultant to undertake an historical and condition report on the outbuildings to include archaeolog ical data. This recently completed report is being examined by my Department.
I understand the Heritage Council has agreed to provide 50% of the funding necessary to restore the roof of the outbuildings. As the Deputy will appreciate, my Department does not have funds available to cover the preservation of national monuments other than those in the ownership or guardianship of the State. Given the unique circumstances pertaining to Rathfarnham Castle, I am considering what further assistance might be available in this regard.
My Department supported an application by South Dublin County Council to the National Millennium Committee for funding in the order of £1.82 million for the provision of a theatre and craft units in the outbuildings, the restoration of the Seismograph House, Turner Conservatory, and development of the walled garden and courtyards. Only £30,000 was forthcoming from the National Millennium Committee towards the cost of this proposal and South Dublin County Council, in consultation with my Department, has decided to use the £30,000 for the restoration of the Seismograph House. Given that adequate funding is not available to undertake a major scheme of restoration and conservation, further consultation with all relevant parties is necessary before a final decision can be reached on the future of these buildings.
With regard to Rathfarnham Castle itself, I am pleased to advise that the final phase of works under the 1994-99 EU Operational Programme for Tourism is under way and practically complete. This phase of works involves mainly improvement works to the interior of the castle, including restoration of the ballroom to its 18th century proportions and provision of a staircase in the north east tower. Some appropriate furnishings and art works have also recently been acquired and will be on display when the castle reopens.
With completion of this phase of works, my Department will have achieved its major objectives but further restoration of the castle will be an ongoing process to be undertaken as Exchequer resources permit. The important part is that the essential work of conserving the building has been completed, thus ensuring the future of this important castle.
