Vol. 475 No. 3
12 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the consideration, if any, he has given to the special development and promotion of medieval Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4621/97]
The medieval core of Dublin city has witnessed considerable archaeological investigation since the early 1960s. In most instances the need for archaeological excavation has derived from the rapid pace of urban renewal which the city has witnessed in recent years. Each individual excavation has advanced our overall understanding of medieval Dublin.
My Department's remit is primarily concerned with the protection, conservation and recording of the city's archaeological heritage. However, I am conscious that there are other "downstream" benefits which can be derived from this activity, which is perhaps what the Deputy is alluding to when he refers to development and promotion. Such archaeological activity does generate general economic and educational benefit, and there is an undeniable gain for the tourism interest. Excavation finds are often, initially, of only academic or specialist interest. However, the amalgam of such data over time creates opportunities for others to extrapolate the information for the benefit of a wider audience.
