Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

On the returns on investment in cultural heritage, cultural heritage is an end in itself. Given the dire economic circumstances, many people believe that investing in our heritage infrastructure and improving access to it could have significant economic spin-off effects. Consequently, the Minister must take a more hands-on approach in this regard. I am sorry to be parochial but this is important. I will cite three examples of the failure to do this within my own constituency. I have just mentioned the Dún Laoghaire baths and the council's ten-year refusal to invest in this site, which could enhance the heritage and tourist amenity of Dún Laoghaire. The Joyce tower now has been closed, essentially because of the public sector recruitment embargo. Moreover, the council lacks the resources to facilitate small boat owners in organising trips for the public across to Dalkey Island to see the Martello tower there. This is in a small stretch. It is the Minister's business if local authorities lack either the will or the resources to ensure public and tourist access to such vital heritage amenities or if they do not have the available resources to restore them and bring them up to a level at which they would encourage tourists to visit the country.

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