In the programme for Government, there is a policy to achieve ambitious tourism goals. Today, Drogheda councillors will vote to close St. Laurence's Gate to traffic. It is a barbican gate and it was built in the 13th century in the medieval town of Drogheda. It is widely considered to be the best of its kind in western Europe. Will the Taoiseach commit to funding it and investing in it to have it opened to the public as a tourist amenity similar to Westgate, the barbican gate in Canterbury?

It is not really relevant to the Order of Business.

It is in the programme for Government under ambitious tourism goals. Will the Taoiseach commit to investing to have it open to the public as a tourism amenity similar to the barbican Westgate in Canterbury given the huge potential to develop tourism in and attract tourists to Drogheda and the south Louth region?

Bless the Deputy for her innovative assessment of the programme for Government in terms of flexibility for hospitality and tourism. I suggest that the local authority prepare a plan or strategy for the barbican gate, if that is not done already, and that it consult both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. These gates are important, and they are important to tourists who have an interest in buildings and gates like the barbican gate. It is not for me to give a commitment here saying finance will be granted from a particular departmental Vote. I suggest the Deputy start with the local authority, talk to the tourism interests and also the businesses in Drogheda-----

It has been done, to no avail.

-----and prepare a plan indicating how the gate might be reopened and used for hospitality purposes.