Written answers

Thursday, 25 September 2008

Department of Finance

Architectural Heritage

5:00 pm

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding the future of Doneraile Park in County Cork; and if consideration has or will be given to the opening of Doneraile House to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31848/08]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Doneraile Park will continue to be managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works as a National Historic Park. An on-going programme of maintenance and improvement works is being carried-out to the range of historic buildings in the Park, including Doneraile House (Court) and adjoining coach-house, walled gardens and associated structures. These works include improved general landscape maintenance, new sewerage connection for and upgrading of public toilets, repairs to main entrance gate, internal roads and bridges, health and safety and security works.

The Main House has been secured and weather-proofed but opening to the public might require further substantial works. Such a programme might need to be considered in the context of a partnership with other interests willing to invest in uses compatible with historic and conservation values.

Photo of Noel CoonanNoel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for a site (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the timetable for seeking planning permission for the revised visitor centre design; the timetable for re-pointing of the keep and completion of internal work outstanding within the keep; the completion of the legalities and consequent hand-over to the town council of the castle field; the timetable for the design of the drawbridge and other outstanding features of the castle gatehouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31750/08]

Photo of Martin ManserghMartin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The siting of the proposed Visitor Centre at Nenagh Castle is being re-examined and consultant architects are due to report on the matter shortly. The proposed Visitor Centre will then proceed to the planning stage. Work on the Keep has commenced with inspection works, initial condition assessment and mortar analysis and is progressing with the erection of scaffolding in preparation for repointing works. Works to the interior of the Keep are ongoing and significant progress has been made. Papers in relation to the transfer of the Castle Field are currently with the Chief State Solicitor. The timetable for the design of the drawbridge and other outstanding features of the Castle Gatehouse will form part of the final solution in relation to the proposed Visitor Centre.

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