Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the contribution of the State to the recent works carried out to Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin 9; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the planned access to the Botanic Gardens has not been provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23018/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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A scheme of restoration of Glasnevin Cemetery commenced in 2007. Funding for the works is being provided through the Office of Public Works. The Glasnevin Cemeteries Group is managing the works, with the Office of Public Works acting in an advisory capacity. The project is working towards completion in time for the centenary of the 1916 rising in 2016. To date €10.033million has been contributed by the State by way of grant assistance to the project.

Works completed to date include: the relocation of the Sigerson Memorial; landscaping in the vicinity of the Round Tower and lighting of the base of this tower; cleaning of monuments close to the O'Connell Tower; cleaning of the Monaghan Chapel; replacement of railings around a number of monuments; provision of new foundations for headstones and reinstatement of damaged headstones. In addition, part of the ongoing work has been to remove many of the lower branches from the trees in order to provide better visibility for visitors to the cemetery. Removal of ivy from tree trunks and monuments has also been undertaken. The area at the eastern end of the cemetery has been grassed and the re-surfacing of the eight kilometres of paths has begun. Improvements have been made to drainage by sinking new manholes into the century-old drains.

Among the works planned to be carried out in 2011 are: preservation works to Prospect Lodge (listed building); further works to the road and pathway infrastructure; upgrading of works yard adjacent to the Crematorium; further bollard installation, wiring and electrical works; and further horticultural upgrading works.

The historic cemetery will be linked to the neighbouring National Botanic Gardens, providing an opportunity to mutually enhance both national institutions. The necessary preparatory design work for this link has been completed and it is expected to commence following planning consultation.

In addition to the works already mentioned, the programme of work included the provision of a state of the art heritage centre and museum at the entrance to the cemetery. The Glasnevin Trust Museum and Visitor Centre was formally opened on 8th April 2010. This project was managed and funded separately by the Glasnevin Trust. The museum has already won many prestigious awards.