Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. We do not have many deep sea ports in Kildare. We have quite a number of harbours, albeit canal harbours, but they are still there. In regard to the development of facilities for educational and tourism purposes, however, we have quite a number of historic houses, some of which are under the guidance of the OPW already. Moneys have been spent and continue to be spent. As the Minister of State mentioned, the Morell River drainage scheme was held up by judicial review. I understand it is now going ahead.

As one drives around the country, there are houses that catch one's eye. A few of them are in County Kildare. Is there a mechanism for houses that might be at risk of disappearing into decay and disrepair? Some of them may be on private property, which creates a problem. Some of them may be on public property, which does not create a problem. What mechanism might the Minister of State have, create or avail of to deal with them in order to protect them?