Liam Aylward
Ceist:220 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 186 of 17 May 2001, she will indicate the progress which has since been made on the matter. [20248/01]
Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
The necessary legal process transferring ownership of the property to my Department is being undertaken. As outlined in my answer of 17 May 2001, my Department arranged to fence off the cattle on the working farm at Altamont from visitors, in agreement with the farmer. Following the lifting of the foot and mouth disease precautions my Department made immediate arrangements to open the gardens to visitors. I am delighted to inform the Deputy that the opening hours have been substantially increased this season and that the gardens are now open during the visitor season from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. With regard to the carrying out of further works to the building the position remains as stated in my answer of 17 May.