Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 2

Written Answers. - Archaeological Excavation Licences.

Ivan Yates

Question:

110 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the extraordinary situation in relation to the delays in the planning process whereby Dúchas is refusing to process applications for archaeological excavation licence applications due to the present backlog; the steps, if any, she will take to deal with this situation in view of the very serious effect it is having at the end of the planning process where many cases have already been through the local authority and An Bord Pleanála procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3802/00]

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

I am aware of the delays in processing new applications for archaeological licences many of which are made on foot of conditions laid down under grants for planning permission.

I am mindful of the implications for new construction projects as a result of this temporary disruption in service. The backlog has arisen from the sheer increase in licensed excavations taking place directly as a result of the upsurge in building and infrastructure development and its resultant impact on the archaeological heritage. I have taken measures to redeploy staff to deal with this backlog and I will continue to monitor the situation carefully to ensure that difficulties are addressed. I am hopeful that normal service will be resumed by the start of March.