James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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267. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to enhance visitor services at the site of the Battle of Vinegar Hill (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10528/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The ruined windmill at Vinegar Hill is in my guardianship as Minister and is managed by the Office of Public Works. 

The Battle of Vinegar Hill itself was a very important event in Irish history and my Department recently authorised extensive archaeological investigations on the site to provide a better understanding of how the battle was conducted.  The information gleaned from this this research will, in turn, add to and enhance the visitor understanding of the site and their experience.

I appreciate the ongoing involvement and investment by Wexford County Council in promoting the site and the facilities that have been put in place for visitors.  My Department will continue to work with the Council and other stakeholders, including the tourism agencies, to increase public awareness  and interest in the site. 

The Office of Public Works, which is responsible for visitor services at State owned archaeological and historical sites, also offers practical assistance to voluntary groups engaged in heritage tourism initiatives through training and mentoring by its experienced professional guide staff.