John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Finance if the means of collecting rain water in open topped barrels at Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, County Kilkenny is safe; if the pipes and barrels will be removed and replaced with a more acceptable method using chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18302/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Temporary downpipes and collecting barrels were recently put in position at three locations on the eastern side of Jerpoint Abbey in order to monitor water run-off, which was resulting in the staining of, and calcite build up on, stonework. Following assessment of water run-off, the barrels have now been pierced and will remain in position to protect the stonework until a drainage trench to take away water from the outside of the east cloistral range is put in place. This work is to be scheduled in conjunction with archaeological excavations at the site programmed for this summer. Permanent downpipes rather than chains will replace the temporary downpipes where necessary.