John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding invested in a heritage centre (details supplied); the reason the centre was closed in 2016 although still marketed as being open; his plans to provide the funding required to re-open the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41569/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Heritage Service of the Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and presentation of approximately 780 National Monuments and Historic Properties in the ownership or guardianship of the State.

Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre is a locally-run facility in Co. Leitrim and is not in State care. The Heritage Service of the OPW has therefore no responsibility for this facility and is not funded to operate it. Notwithstanding this, the OPW, as a special measure in 2016, provided financial support amounting to €5,320 to the Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre to assist with the provision of guided tours of the Seán Mac Diarmada Cottage, which is a National Monument in State care close to the village. It was also indicated that support funding would be available again in 2017 should the Centre wish to proceed on the same basis; however, the Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre did not operate this season and the offer of financial assistance was not taken up.

The OPW has recently indicated that, should the Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre re-open in the future, it will be willing to offer some support to allow Guided services to the Sean Mac Dhiarmada Cottage to be provided.