The site referred to by the Deputy is not in the care of my Department and as such I have no direct role to play in relation to any possible reconstruction or renovation work. My Department is aware, however, that proposals are being jointly drawn up by Louth County Council and Drogheda town council for the Old Abbey site in Drogheda, which is to be funded from the Urban and Village Renewal Programme 2000-06.
I understand that the project is at an early planning stage and proposes a number of measures including environmental improvements in the area around the Old Abbey. In this context under the provisions of sections 12(3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 it will be necessary for Louth County Council or Drogheda Town Council to provide my Department with two months notice of any works it is proposed to undertake.