Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 6

Written Answers. - Historic Monument.

Edward Nealon

Question:

100 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Finance, in connection with Knocknashee Hill Fort, an enclosure dating back to about 100 BC and the third largest such enclosure in the country, having within it one megalithic passage tomb probably dating from 3500 BC, a bronze age cairn and dwelling places, at least 30 feet, if it is intended that it will be declared a national monument to afford it appropriate recognition and legal protection in view of the great importance of this prehistoric site; if a plaque will be erected giving some general information to the visitors who go there every year; if an adequate access way will be provided to the hilltop; and if the necessary excavation work will be carried out on at least one of the hut dwellings; if he will make a statement on the general intentions regarding this very important prehistoric site which so far seems to have been totally overlooked in all plans; and if he will provide all possible assistance to the local Knocknashee heritage group which is seeking to bring due recognition to this fine national monument.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Dempsey)

Arrangements are in hand to have Knocknashee Hillfort entered in the Register of Historic Monuments. This registration will afford protection to the site under the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1987. Knocknashee is in private ownership and as such the Commissioners of Public Works would be precluded from carrying out any works there. The Commissioners have already been in correspondence with the Knocknashee Heritage Group. When the registration has been finalised, the Office of Public Works will have further discussions with the local Heritage Group.