Vol. 540 No. 1
393 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if phase V of the restoration works to Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare, is on schedule for completion in summer 2001; the timetable for the provision of visitor facilities at the House; the works to be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19879/01]
I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the re-roofing of the west wing of Castletown House is complete – phase V of the programme – and that the structure of the house is now secured.
Proposals for the provision of visitor facilities are at a very early stage and it is not possible at this point in time to give a timetable for this major project. However, I can assure the Deputy that, notwithstanding the substantial funding which I have already allocated to this project to date, I have ensured that Castletown will benefit from the funds allocated to me under the National Development Plan, 2000-2006. This will enable my Department to make significant progress with the proposed provision of visitor facilities, which will greatly enhance the attraction of this historic property as a tourism destination of significant importance.
