Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the development of the peace monument in County Louth; the cost involved; the proposed location; if a different location had previously been planned; if so, the location and the reason it was relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25042/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Peace Monument was always envisaged for the border region. During the course of consideration of possible locations, it was brought to the Department's attention that there was a suitable site, already in State ownership, at Carrickcarnan, Co Louth. This site is visible from the motorway from both the Northern and Southern approaches, it is easy to access and already has preliminary car parking facilities. On 7 March of this year, it was announced that the Monument would be located at this site.

In relation to the overall development of the Peace Monument, a Project Steering Group has been established, including representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Office of Public Works and my own Department. The former Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., announced in April last that €5 million would be allocated towards the project. €2 million was provided in this Department's Estimates for 2008 to take forward the necessary work.