Vol. 543 No. 4
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of castles in County Kildare which are listed, preserved or otherwise protected; if expenditure is proposed in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27330/01]
There are five castles in County Kildare which are in State ownership or guardianship. These are Kilteel Castle, Rathcoffey Demesne, Grange Castle, Jigginstown House and Maynooth Castle. There are a further five castles listed on the record of monuments and places for County Kildare.
Kilteel Castle and Rathcoffey Demesne are regularly monitored by my Department and I am satisfied that both sites are in a good state of preservation and, as such, there is no need for work to be undertaken at either at this point.
In the case of Grange Castle a major conservation and presentation project was commenced under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999. I fully expect that this project will be fully complete and open to the public in 2002.
With regard to Maynooth Castle the Deputy will be aware that major adaptation and conservation were completed recently at this site. Once this site is fully operational in 2002 my Department will make a determination as to the level, if any, of additional works required to ensure its successful operation.
In relation to Jigginstown House I have provided funding of £500,000 under the national development plan to allow a major conservation project to be undertaken at this important site. In advance of any conservation work it is necessary to complete an archaeological assessment of the site. A contract for this work has been placed and I fully expect work to commence at an early date.
150 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the expenditure to date on the refurbishment works at Geraldine Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare; the works carried out; the works still remaining; the projected cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27331/01]
As the Deputy will be aware, following the completion of the adaptation and conservation work to the ground floor and the provision of access to the first floor, Maynooth Castle was opened to the public on 27 July last. Work on the exhibition to be installed in the castle is on target for completion and installation in the 2002 season. Once the installation of the exhibition is complete, my Department will be in a position to assess the needs of the site in terms of visitor numbers and facilities and make a determination as to the level, if any, of additional works required to ensure its successful operation.
The total spend to the end of September 2001 on the works to Maynooth Castle is £993,000. As indicated previously, I am satisfied that the project undertaken can be completed within the available budget of £1.5 million.
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will be in a position to provide the necessary finances to undertake refurbishment works at Connolly's Folly, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27332/01]
There is no change in the position outlined in my response to the Deputy's most recent parliamentary question on this issue dated 5 July 2001.
