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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

John McGuinness

Question:

491 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the steps, if any, she is taking to protect the site known as Black Freren Gate, Kilkenny; if her attention has been drawn to the concern which exists within the local community regarding this site; if her Department was asked to comment at planning stage on the safety of the site in relation to works carried out on the fourth stage of Kilkenny drainage scheme; the work needed on the site to restore and make it safe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7898/99]

I am aware of local concerns regarding the ongoing construction works for the installation of a major drainage scheme in the centre of Kilkenny. In January 1996, officials from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, met with representatives of the local authority and a firm of consulting engineers, to discuss concerns regarding the archaeological implications of the proposed works.

A detailed set of archaeological recommendations was submitted subsequently to the consultants in April 1996 including a recommendation that, in respect of the proposed sewer which was to pass beneath the Black Freren Gate the gate itself should be shored up in advance of the site works in order to ensure its safety.

On 6 February 1997, a preservation order was placed on the Black Freren Gate, the effect of which is that it is unlawful for any person to demolish or remove the monument, either wholly or in part, or to interfere with it, or to dig, plough or disturb the ground within, around or in proximity to it without my written consent.

I understand that the installation of the drainage scheme has been a long and difficult operation and one which has encountered unforeseen engineering difficulties. An archaeologist has been engaged by the consulting engineers to monitor, under licence from my Department, any excavations that may be necessary. The archaeologist is in regular communication with officials from Dúchas with a view to ensuring the safety and integrity of the national monument.

Notwithstanding the local authority's responsibility in this matter, as developers of the scheme, Dúchas has undertaken its own inspection of the structural stability of the Black Freren Gate within the last few days, having been alerted to a possible movement within the gate. I am awaiting a report on this inspection to consider what further action, if any, is required.

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