Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

152 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the poor condition of the monastic ruins at Leamonaghan, Ballycumber, County Offaly; her views on whether this very important monastic site is in a very unsatisfactory and even dangerous condition; the action, if any, her Department will take to remedy the situation and develop this site to its full potential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2978/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I presume the Deputy is referring to the following monuments: the ruins of the ecclesiastical site known as St. Managhan's church and graveyard, founded by St. Manchan in the 7th century at Leamonaghan and the ruins of a small oratory and enclosure known as St. Mella's cell which are east of St. Managhan's church and graveyard. Neither of these archaeological sites are in State care and Dúchas – the heritage service in my Department – is not in a position to undertake any works there.

These sites are protected under the National Monuments Acts 1930-1994 as "recorded monuments". This requires anybody proposing to carry out works which in any way interferes with the monuments to give my Department two months written notice of such intention.