Vol. 486 No. 1
724 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will take the ruined church at Faithlegg, County Waterford into State ownership or guardianship in order to carry out the necessary refurbishment in view of the historical importance of this church as well as the safety of the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1382/98]
Recognition and legal protection have been afforded to the ruins of the church and the adjoining graveyard at Faithlegg, County Waterford, pursuant to the provisions of section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994. As a consequence, any person proposing to carry out any work at or in relation to the monument must give notice of such intention and shall not commence the work for a period of two months after having given such notice. However, having regard to the current, extensive level of commitments in the region in question, Dúchas, the Heritage service of my Department, is unable at present to take the ruined church at Faithlegg into State care. When resources permit, the matter will be carefully reconsidered.
