Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

171 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if, further to previous parliamentary questions and local community concerns, she will explain the meaning of guardianship in relation to the Church site, Church, Tullaroan, County Kilkenny; the steps she will take to make safe the building and graveyard which is still in use; the long-term action which will be undertaken on foot of the reports (details supplied); and if the reports contain photographic accounts of the structure of the building at that time. [27084/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

I refer the Deputy to Part II, section 5 of the National Monuments Act, 1930, regarding guardianship of national monuments. Guardianship allows a national monument to be taken into my care, thereby empowering me to carry out works on it using public moneys. There has been no further progress with the transfer of the property by the local authority to my Department but my officials have made informal contact with Kilkenny County Council to help them progress the matter. Until such time as the monument comes into my care, whether through transfer of title or through guardianship, I am unable to carry out works to it.

The condition of the church has been monitored by my staff. When last inspected in mid July, photographs were taken but no formal report was compiled given that it is neither in my care nor are there any imminent plans for its repair. In the long-term, those repairs will be carried out, but any works needed there would not be of pressing priority in the context of the many other demands on some 740 properties which are already in my care.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

172 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding the completion of works at St. John's Castle, Dungarvan, County Waterford; the plans she has for its full operation when completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27201/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

Restoration works to the former barrack building inside the walls of Dungarvan Castle were completed in December 2000 and a guide service was provided towards the end of this year's tourist season. An exhibition is in preparation and will be installed in the barrack building by the end of this year. The site is due to reopen for visitors for the main tourist season next summer. A conservation programme, which includes conservation of the shell keep, bawn walls, entrance gates and restoration of the south west tower, is ongoing. I cannot yet indicate when this will be completed but it is likely to take a number of seasons.