National Monuments.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Ceisteanna (145)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

185 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the average number of persons visiting Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare, which works out at 14 per day is extremely disappointing; his further views on whether the development of phase two of the restoration works to the castle would enable the castle to achieve a better potential in respect of tourist numbers visiting the castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29287/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Parlon)

The obligation of the Office of Public Works, OPW, with regard to the national monuments in its care is to ensure their preservation and protection. The OPW's role also extends to ensuring that sites are accessible to the public and are presented in an appropriate manner. In the case of Maynooth Castle I am satisfied that the OPW fully meets all the obligations with regard to the preservation, protection and presentation of the monument. I fully accept, given the level of investment in the conservation of the site, that the visitor numbers at Maynooth Castle are somewhat low. This office is currently looking at a number of options for increasing the number of visitors to this site for 2005.

It is not possible for me to estimate if visitor numbers would increase if further development of the castle were undertaken. I should point out that the final decision on any future development at Maynooth Castle is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.