21 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when restoration work on Dungarvan Castle, Dungarvan, County Waterford, will commence with a view to having it open to the public as an amenity. [8592/96]

32 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht when the archaeological dig in and around Dungarvan Castle, County Waterford will commence; and when it will be completed. [9184/96]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 32 together.

The first phase of an archaeological excavation was carried out at Dungarvan Castle last year. The second and final phase of the excavation will commence this month and take approximately eight weeks to complete. Thereafter, conservation and partial restoration will be carried out with a view to opening the monument to the public on a phased basis.