Vol. 571 No. 1
1284 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the programme of work which is planned for Clara Castle, County Kilkenny, in 2003-04; if there is an overall budget for County Kilkenny relative to restoration work; if so, the amount for each year from 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20446/03]
There are no works planned for Clara Castle in 2003-04, apart from routine maintenance. Cleaning and spraying of vegetation was carried out on 4 May 2003. Funding for restoration work is not allocated on a county basis by my Department. The Kilkenny depot operates on a district budget and the depot carries out works to monuments in counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, north and south Tipperary, Laois, Kildare, south Wicklow and Carlow.
1285 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if all issues relative to the past threatened strike action at Kilkenny Castle have been resolved fully; and his views on the action to date and the resolution. [20447/03]
Recent talks facilitated by my Department, have achieved sufficient progress to allow the trade union concerned to defer industrial action. It is intended that further talks will be held on an ongoing basis to deal with outstanding issues.
1286 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress which has been made in relation to the provision of a visitor's centre at the Rock of Cashel; if it is his intention to acquire further lands around this site; the entity which is responsible for maintaining the area around the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20448/03]
Proposals to provide a visitor centre at the Rock of Cashel have been given consideration but a decision has been deferred pending a review of the budgetary commitments arising from the current national development plan. The question of acquisition of additional lands adjacent to the rock will be addressed following the outcome of the review. My Department maintains the area of the Rock of Cashel which is in State ownership, while responsibility for other lands rests with the owners.
