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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

675 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the points of conjecture which remain to be solved in order that the restoration of Portumna Castle, County Galway, may proceed in an orderly and effective manner; and the steps being taken to solve same. [20072/02]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

676 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the study of the fabric that remains of Portumna Castle has been completed in order that the restoration of the castle may proceed; and if the results of same are available for inspection. [20073/02]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

677 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when it is planned to erect a visitor and reception area and an audio-visual theatre, similar to Clonmacnoise, at the stoneyard of Portumna Castle, as included in the Fehilly plan of 1983 and the Quinlan plan of 1998. [20074/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 675 to 677, inclusive, together.

My Department's concern is to maintain the integrity and authenticity of Portumna Castle and its built remains with minimal physical interference with the site's historic fabric. Given that Portumna Castle is in a semi-ruined state primarily because of severe fire damage in the past, our knowledge of the historic fabric of the castle is incomplete and is likely to remain so. Limited conservation work, as has been carried out, rather than complete restoration which would be based on conjecture, is the appropriate approach in this situation.

There are no plans to provide a visitor reception area and an audio-visual theatre in the courtyard at Portumna. No further major works are envisaged at Portumna Castle and Demesne during the lifetime of the national development plan. Almost €4 million has already been invested at Portumna Castle and the ongoing commitment to providing a guide service there will be maintained.

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