Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Archaeological Sites.

Willie Penrose

Question:

708 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will give details of the attempts made by her Department to purchase Uisneach Hill, Killare, Mullingar, County Westmeath, from a person (details supplied); the reason for the failure to secure this important archaeological, historical and cultural location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17626/99]

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

Negotiations commenced in 1998 with the vendor's solicitor to acquire a core archaeological area of 115 acres plus a gate lodge at the Hill of Uisneach. Further negotiations took place in March 1999, but unfortunately these negotiations were not successful. The final offer made by my Department was a fair and reasonable offer for the property concerned, but was not accepted by the vendor.