Vol. 471 No. 4
23 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to any recommendations made as a result of the excavations carried out on medieval Dublin; if so, the nature of such recommendations; the measures, if any, he has implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20926/96]
Large scale archaeological excavations have been taking place in the medieval core of Dublin City since the early 1960s. Various recommendations have been made on foot of these excavations, some having specific and some having general relevance. Based on their extensive experience of these excavations, the National Monuments and Historic Properties Service of my Department in conjunction with the National Museum of Ireland, has over the years evolved a policy in relation to the impact of building development on medieval remains.
The general nature of this approach relates to the positioning of piling layouts, types of piling and nature of impact depending on the form of building foundations. Other considerations include lifting building and service trenches above archaeological levels, to minimise impact.
Last March, I also made an announcement in relation to basement development within the urban zones of archaeological potential. In this, I reaffirmed that it would be the clear and unambiguous policy of the National Monuments Service in the future to oppose planning applications for basements within these zones unless it could be demonstrated that the construction of such basements could be achieved without unacceptable archaeological implications. I added that where it was considered unsuitable planning permissions had been granted, powers under the National Monuments Acts would be invoked.
The need for archaeological excavations in the inner city has largely emanated from proposed redevelopment projects. These excavations have greatly enhanced the archaeological knowledge of specific sites and have contributed significantly in developing the perception of a wider view of medieval Dublin. Further excavations in the future will assist in the continuing development of appropriate strategies to conserve and record the vital archaeological heritage of all our medieval towns and cities.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Will he indicate what proposals, if any, he has to improve public knowledge of and to exhibit some of the findings of medieval Dublin? Proposals in that regard have been floating for some years, but have not come to fruition. While building policy has arisen from excavation works to date, has anything been specifically brought to the Minister's attention that warrants special address in relation to the protection of medieval Dublin?
With respect to the Deputy's interest in this area, I have a certain difficulty in relation to his question. There have been many excavations and if he wishes to correspond with my Department on any aspect of a particular one, I would be delighted to provide such information as I have.
Regarding his first suggestion, I made the decision in relation to planning because my attention was drawn to a particular site, an Augustinian friary in Temple Bar, of which the Deputy will be aware. I took action in relation to that area.
My attention was also drawn to a site adjacent to St. Michael's where there has been vandalism. The National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland have indicated their objections to development on that site. If there is any further site on which the Deputy wishes to seek information as to whether any section of my Department has indicated a position, I would be delighted to provide the information.
I thank the Minister for his response. Will he write to me on matters specifically drawn to his attention on any aspect of medieval Dublin? Will he respond to my point on the proposals, if any, he has to improve public awareness of and to exhibit excavation findings in medieval Dublin?
I very much agree with the Deputy on his assumption that the greater knowledge there is of our archaeology and history, the better our heritage will be protected in the future. That comes before the idea that our heritage is an attractive focus of attention for those who come from abroad. It is important because the more knowledge we have about the matter the better it will be protected. I had that thinking very much in mind when under the heritage Act the Heritage Council was given responsibility for education in a proactive way. A great deal of knowledge has been gathered by the National Museum of Ireland. I will examine those institutions in terms of their plans to make information on this area more available. If there are aspects of any excavation in the context of the Deputy's general question, I will provide such information as I have.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
