Vol. 543 No. 4
152 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if a heritage project for the restoration of Donadea Castle and buildings at Donadea Forest Park, County Kildare, might be considered; if she will enter into discussions with other interest bodies or agencies with a view to pursuing such a project; if it is possible to so do in view of the present ownership of the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27333/01]
I refer to my replies of 5 July 2001 – Parliamentary Questions Nos. 259 and 260 – 29 May 2001 – Parliamentary Question No. 332 – 11 April 2001 – Parliamentary Questions Nos. 191 and 192 – and 21 February 2001 – Parliamentary Questions Nos. 138 and 139. The position remains as outlined on those occasions.
153 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of heritage projects throughout the country which involve archaeological excavations; if it is intended that the sites or buildings should become accessible to the public for tourism and educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27334/01]
It is not possible to quantify the number of excavations relating specifically to heritage projects being carried out throughout the country. However, as the Deputy may already be aware, archaeological investigations and excavations must be licensed by my Department. So far this year, a total of 1,095 excavation licences have been issued most of which relate to planning and development.
Among the recent excavations conducted by my Department are Barryscourt Castle, County Cork, and Skellig Michael, County Kerry. Both of these sites are open to the public. An excavation was also carried out on the gatehouse at Cahermore in the Burren and it is proposed to open this site to the public in the near future. As most other excavations relate to planning and development on land in private ownership, the opportunity for the public to access and view these sites is not feasible.
The Deputy may be interested to note that there are normally five or six research excavations dealing with specific sites of interest throughout the Republic. These are funded by the Government and administered by my Department on the advice of the national committee for archaeology of the Royal Irish Academy. I would like to remind the Deputy that Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, provides visitor services at over 70 sites, many of which deal with archaeological and historical themes.
154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that in all cases of refurbishment or improvement of historical sites or buildings or other works of a heritage nature associated with such buildings, works are carried out in a manner that is sensitive and complementary to the existing architecture and original function of the building or buildings in question and their immediate environs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27335/01]
As the Deputy may be aware, in 1998 the Government decided on a new framework to protect the architectural heritage of the State which placed the primary responsibility in this regard on planning authorities. I should emphasise that my role is mainly to provide advice to planning authorities in the exercise of their functions. Funding was subsequently made available for the planning authorities to recruit conservation officers. A scheme of grants for the conservation of protected structures was also introduced. The new system was given legislative effect through the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1999.
155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of heritage projects in hand throughout the country; the total cost involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27336/01]
The position is that work has commenced on 78 of the heritage projects approved for funding under the national development plan. The total estimated cost of these 78 projects is £37.185 million.
