asked the Minister for Finance the proposals for the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin; and if the Government have decided which Government agency or other approved body will occupy the premises when they are restored.
Written Answers . - Royal Hospital, Kilmainhan .
178.
: The use to which the Royal Hospital will be put has not yet been finally decided. The matter is under consideration at present.
179.
asked the Minister for Finance the programme of work involved in the restoration of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin; if he will give an indication as to when the work will be completed; and when the premises will be ready for occupation.
: It is proposed to carry out a complete scheme of restoration at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. The first stage of the scheme, which consisted of the elimination of dry-rot and the restoration of the fabric in the North Wing, was completed in 1966.
Planning is at an advanced stage for the restoration of the remainder of the building. It is hoped that it may be possible to commence work next year. The scheme will take about four years to carry out.
Arrangements are being made for the planting of trees on the main avenue and for the restoration of the formal garden which was a feature of the original complex.
180.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has received any inquiries regarding the possibility of housing An Foras Forbartha in the restored premises of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin.
: An informal inquiry was made recently by An Foras Forbartha about the possibility of obtaining accommodation in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The matter has not since been pursued.