Liz McManus
Question:83 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if the record of monuments and places is being effectively updated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2337/00]
Written Answers. - Record of Monuments and Places.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:96 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of archaeologists employed on the maintenance and updating of the record of monuments and places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2338/00]
Brendan Howlin
Question:108 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has to publish the Record of Monuments and Places in the national press; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2333/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 96 and 108 together.
The original archaeological survey records and related archival material which form the basis of the record of monuments and places in Ireland is extensive. These records, covering all counties except Cork, Galway and parts of Donegal, are kept in the archaeological survey of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, in 6 Ely Place Upper, Dublin 2. Records for the other counties are maintained locally.
From this archive a computerised database has been established and is now available on the Website: www.heritageireland.ie. This database has been regularly updated as new data from sources such as fieldwork, inspections, excavations etc. emerge.
Some technical problems have been recently encountered with upgrading of the database. These include training and familiarisation requirements for the new system. While some delays have resulted these issues are being addressed and members of the public can still access the database in the meantime.
The record of monuments and places has been established for all counties throughout the State. This information was publicly advertised in the daily newspapers. Location maps and accompanying documents for these sites are available to the public for inspection at various venues in each county and I am making a list of these available for the Deputy's information.
At present there is one archaeologist assigned to the updating of the database on a part time basis.