Vol. 511 No. 4
98 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the concerns of Dúchas with respect to a planning permission (details supplied); the plans, if any, she has to develop the site if the planning does not proceed; if so, the timescale involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24622/99]
Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department has been in consultation with the relevant county council about the proposed development referred to by the Deputy.
Dúchas considers that the site of the proposed development is of high importance in architectural heritage terms, mainly because of its integrity as a historic landscape which may be unique in this country. Dúchas is also of the view that the development as proposed would have a devastating effect on this landscape and its integrity and amenity would accordingly be irretrievably destroyed.
Given the impacts on the historic landscape and on other archaeological sites in the vicinity, Dúchas recommended to the county council that planning permission be refused. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that the decision on planning permission is one for the county council, taking account of all relevant observations made to it.
Dúchas has no plans to develop this site. The site is in private ownership and it is a matter for the owners to develop it in a manner that is compatible with its importance and ensures its future preservation.
