Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Jun 1996

Vol. 466 No. 6

Written Answers. - Newgrange (Meath) Burial Site.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

70 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on the potentially serious damage to the ancient burial site at Newgrange, County Meath, as a result of tourist traffic which is increasing substantially due to the popularity of this location; and if he will be supporting proposals to restrict tourist access to the site or any other measures to avert further damage to the structure. [12114/96]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The environmental impact of visitors to the site in question is monitored on an ongoing basis by the National Monuments and Historic Service of my Department. The substantial increase in visitor numbers in recent years has prompted the introduction of a new management system and associated infrastructure which will be operational from early next year. These arrangements are designed to ensure the continued safeguarding of the site.