9 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Finance when restoration works on Dungarvan Castle, County Waterford, will be completed; and when it will be opened to the public.

A major scheme of conservation and partial restoration works is required before Dungarvan Castle can be fully opened to the public.

It is expected that this work will be funded by the current phase of EU Structural Funds. The first step of the project will be to conduct an extensive archaeological excavation which will determine the timescale for the conservation work programme. Until the archaeological work is complete it is not possible to determine definitely when it will be open to the public.

We all know of Deputy Timmins's tremendous interest in historical structures such as Dungarvan Castle. Work on it was progressing satisfactorily but during the past few years work appears to have come to a halt. As this is such an historical site I would appreciate it if the Minister will ensure that the archaeological works to which he referred in his reply will commence so that the castle may be opened to the public within a reasonable timespan?

I can give an assurance to the Deputy in that regard. The work came to a halt because the site is such an historical one and the archaeological excavation is necessary. It would be detrimental to carry on the work until further archaeological excavations have been undertaken. While the conservation programme may take five to six years the commissioners hope that within the first two years parts of the site, including the castle, will be open to the public and the remainder of it will open on a phased basis as work progresses.

I hope the castle will receive the same treatment as Trim Castle.

I assure the Deputy that all monuments in my care and in the care of the Office of Public Works will receive equal treatment.

Some more equal than others.

What about Sheriff Street.