Síle de Valera
Question:30 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has regarding Cahermacnaughton Fort, Ballyvaughan, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10041/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cahermacnaughton (Clare) Fort.
The national monuments and historic properties service is at present carrying out a study of the national monuments in the Burren area with a view to drawing up an integrated conservation-presentation strategy for the monuments. Cahermacnaughton Fort is included in the study which is expected to be completed late this year.
The national monuments and historic properties service has also taken up the possibility of providing safe car parking facilities near the monument with Clare County Council. If the car parking problem is resolved existing difficulties about access to the monument might be overcome.
I thank the Minister for his reply. I am sure he is aware of the popularity of Cahermacnaughton Fort, the law school of the O'Daverns and the Corcomroe area is of great historical interest. The Connole family have informed me that the Office of Public Works has failed to maintain the Cahermacnaughton Fort site and have suggested that a car park is necessary to facilitate the number of tourists visiting the fort. I understand tourists visit the area all year round, but that in peak season up to 200 people per day visit the fort. The Connole family run a bed and breakfast business beside the fort and access to their home is frequently blocked by the vehicles of those visiting the fort. As the fort is of great archaeological and historical value, will the Minister take immediate steps to resolve this problem? I understand the Connole family have no option but to close access to the fort.
I appreciate and am aware of the facts to which the Deputy referred. Through the national monuments and historic properties service we have formally requested Clare County Council to consider providing a car park at Cahermacnaughton Fort. I am also aware of the difficulties experienced by the Connole family and understand their predicament. When a car parking facility is provided we can proceed with resolving the difficulty regarding access. I understand the family are anxious to facilitate a car parking facility in the area. I have not yet received a reply from Clare County Council, but I will pursue the matter.
The Connole family are anxious to have the matter resolved as soon as possible. We are dealing with two separate issues, the question of a car park and access to and maintenance of the site. The Connole family believe that work should be carried out immediately by the Office of Public Works to maintain the site. Those issues are separate but should be dealt with concurrently.
There are three issues involved. The question of a car parking facility is a preliminary matter which the family wish to have resolved before proceeding with the question of access. The third issue relates to maintenance of the fort. I will inform the national monuments and historic properties service to expedite the matter. We will not await a reply from Clare County Council. We will submit a further letter seeking a response so that the matter can be resolved as soon as possible.