James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 212: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money paid to consultants in County Longford for studies and reports in the past five years; the benefits to the county; if these reports could have been prepared in-house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/10]

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money paid to consultants in County Westmeath for studies or reports in the past five years; the benefits to the county; if these reports could have been prepared in-house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40740/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.

In 2008, my Department engaged ERA Maptec Limited to prepare documentation for the proposed nomination of the Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its Cultural Landscape to the World Heritage List; part of the area covered by the work lies within County Westmeath. Inclusion in the World Heritage List will increase international recognition for the site, leading to an increased number of visitors to the area. It was considered desirable to engage these consultants to enhance the quality of the nomination. The sum of €83,858 has been paid to the consultants in respect of this work. In addition, payments may be made to consultants locally and recouped from my Department's capital budget in respect of capital investment programmes funded from the Exchequer.