Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. Unfortunately, I take no solace from its contents. To put this in context, the Minister of State mentioned a national figure of €4.3 million for protected structures. At present, figures are circulating that restoring the Market House to its former glory would cost more than €6 million. If the building were to be removed and built back up again it would cost between €3.5 million and €4 million. These figures outline the seriousness of the problem. The funding allocated for protected structures, with all due respect, is totally inadequate not just with regard to this building but for protected structures throughout the country. This is something of which the Government needs to take cognisance. This is a serious issue for the economic well-being of a small Border town such as Castleblaney. I ask that the Government opens its doors to potential funding so the issue can be addressed and the lives of the people of Castleblaney can get back to normal. They are on hold at present and it will take emergency funding for the Market House to be restored.