Vol. 554 No. 5
1571 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when work on a project (details supplied) in County Cork will commence in view of the allocation of funding for this project and the urgent need to have the work undertaken without further delay; and if he will consider appointing an estate manager to oversee the running of the property in question. [16879/02]
Doneraile Court and Demesne is State-owned and is managed by Dúchas, The Heritage Service of my Department. With assistance from EU Structural Funds, under the Tourism Operational Programme 1994-1999, the re-roofing of Doneraile Court was completed during 2001 at a cost of some €888,000.
I am aware and am concerned, however, that some seepage of water arising from these recent works has adversely affected the fabric of the house. Arising from this development, the Office of Public Works, as project managers of the contract in question, have withheld some moneys until these defects have been satisfactorily attended by the contractor.
Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 a further sum of €2.5 million has been allocated for the carrying out of works to enable Doneraile Court to be opened to the public. This project is still at planning stage.
In relation to staffing levels in Doneraile Park, I am satisfied that the existing staff of four full-time persons, including a herdsman, reporting to the Dúchas deputy regional manager is adequate to properly manage the site.
