880 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans there are in relation to carrying out work on Laurence's Gate; if her attention has been drawn to the serious deterioration in the structure and the fact that no repairs have been carried out over a number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1950/02]

The position is that, following a full assessment of this site in 2001, substantial funding has been allocated by my Department to allow necessary conservation work to be undertaken on the monument during 2002 and 2003. Subject to agreement being reached with Drogheda Town Council it is proposed to commence the project in the late spring. Due to the nature of the works involved some inconvenience may be caused to street users but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

881 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress which has been made in relation to the reconstruction and renovation of the Old Abbey, Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1951/02]

The site referred to by the Deputy is not in the care of my Department and as such I have no direct role to play in relation to any possible reconstruction or renovation work. My Department is aware, however, that proposals are being jointly drawn up by Louth County Council and Drogheda town council for the Old Abbey site in Drogheda, which is to be funded from the Urban and Village Renewal Programme 2000-06.

I understand that the project is at an early planning stage and proposes a number of measures including environmental improvements in the area around the Old Abbey. In this context under the provisions of sections 12(3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 it will be necessary for Louth County Council or Drogheda Town Council to provide my Department with two months notice of any works it is proposed to undertake.