Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I welcome the first free Wednesday initiative. We are coming up to its fourth anniversary and I am aware of the success of the initiative locally. The Minister of State mentioned areas in Mayo and Galway including the Céide Fields, Athenry Castle, Aughnanure Castle, Dún Aonghasa, Portumna Castle and Gardens and Pearse's Cottage. There are big plans for Pearse's Cottage as part of the 2016 commemoration, and the Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, will visit there next Monday.

We have a rich built heritage nationwide, particularly in Visitors Galway. This needs to be linked to the Wild Atlantic Way, which is another wonderful initiative of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Fáilte Ireland and the Minister of State, Deputy Ring. Our tour guides have extensive knowledge of the sites in question. I understand there is a possibility of a recruitment competition later in the year, which will confined to seasonal guides and information officers employed at present by the Office of Public Works. This is in conjunction with the unions, as it is their wish that it be confined to those in seasonal employment at present. Some people have been in seasonal employment for up to 16 years which is of concern to them. I welcome the recruitment competition. Does the Department have a strategy for the protection and promotion of built heritage? Does the Minister of State see any other initiatives which could be evolved within budget?

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