Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

899 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will reconsider her decision not to complete phase II of the restoration works to Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2338/02]

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

900 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the greens outside Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare were damaged during the Maynooth Castle works; if she will direct the Office of Public Works to reinstate same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2339/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 900 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Maynooth Castle was re-opened to the public with effect from 27 July 2001 following the completion by my Department of an extensive programme of works involving the adaptation and conservation of the ground floor and the provision of access to the first floor. Preparation of an exhibition on the story of the castle is at an advanced stage and I am confident that it will be installed early in the 2002 season.

In relation to future development at Maynooth Castle, the priority for my Department is the provision of toilets and guide accommodation and this matter is being pursued at present. In relation to possible further works to the castle itself the position remains that my Department will assess the needs of the site in terms of visitor numbers and facilities once the exhibition is installed later this year and only then can a determination be made as to the level, if any, of additional works required to ensure its successful operation. With regard to the area outside of the castle, the Office of Public Works has been asked to pursue the question of possible damage caused during the restoration with the contractor who undertook the work with a view to any necessary remedial action being taken.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

901 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will provide a timetable for the provision of visitor facilities at Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2340/02]

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

As I have already informed the Deputy in response to earlier parliamentary questions, proposals for the provision of visitor facilities are still at an early stage and it is not possible at this time to give a timetable for them. However, one of the objectives for my Department in 2002 in relation to Castletown House is to finalise the designs for these visitor facilities and to secure planning permission for the plans. I am confident that such facilities will greatly enhance the attraction of this historic property as a tourist destination.