Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 513: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if correspondence (details supplied) has been received by his Department; his views on the matter; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27345/05]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when Nenagh Town Council will receive full legal control over the Castle Field; if he will meet a deputation from Nenagh Town Council to discuss the matter of progressing Nenagh Castle Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28209/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if correspondence (details supplied) has been received by his Department; if he will meet with a delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/05]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if correspondence (details supplied) has been received by his Department; his views on the matter; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27366/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 513, 516, 521 and 522 together.

I can confirm that the correspondence referred to in Questions Nos. 513, 521 and 522 has now been received and I will arrange for replies to be issued.

The question of future developments at Nenagh Castle and its grounds and environs, including 35/36 Pearse Street is under continuing appraisal. Officials in my Department are preparing a brief to allow OPW to engage the necessary expertise to make recommendations for a suitable development at this site, including the appropriate local authority involvement, having regard inter alia to anticipated visitor numbers, and which will allow for expansion if visitor numbers warrant. The brief will include the need to consult with local stakeholders, including Nenagh Town Council, and the need to prepare an outline business plan with proposals to meet the ongoing running costs of any new facility in a manner that minimises the burden on public funds.

I consider that the above process will afford the best opportunity for Nenagh Town Council to engage in this matter. I have had no request from Nenagh Town Council or the Tidy Towns committee to transfer ownership of the Castle Field. However, I understand OPW has agreed to hand over the day-to-day maintenance of the Castle grounds to the town council and has also agreed that the town council can extend its by-laws to incorporate these grounds. It is now for the council to follow up on this.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 514: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the authority which is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Clogrennane Castle, a historical monument located between Carlow town and Graiguecullen, alongside the River Barrow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27597/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that Clogrennane Castle is in private ownership and its upkeep and maintenance is a matter for the owner.