Vol. 548 No. 4
187 Mr. Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will carry out a survey of Carrigaholt Castle, County Clare, and provide funding to carry out conservation and remedial works to ensure this castle's preservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5131/02]
Having regard to local concerns expressed to me, I directed that a structural engineering survey of the remains of the Tower House and Bawn Walk at Carrigaholt Castle be commissioned by Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department. This survey was completed last year and I was advised, on foot of its findings, that the aforementioned remains are in reasonable structural condition. I have now arranged for Dúchas to undertake the remedial conservation works required to the national monument structures at the site in late spring of this year and I look forward to that work commencing as soon as possible. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate in view of health and safety requirements to undertake works at a site of this nature during the winter months. A meeting has also taken place with officials of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources to discuss issues arising in relation to the problem of coastal erosion at this and similar national monument sites. The response of that Department, which has responsibility for coastal erosion, is presently awaited.
