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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Archaeological Licences.

John Perry

Question:

265 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties in the archaeological excavation licensing section of the national monuments and historic properties services in view of the fact there is a serious backlog of licence applications; the urgent measures, if any, which have been put in place to resolve these problems in view of the fact that no excavation licence application will be processed for a period of eight weeks and it has been recommended that no licence applications are submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5117/00]

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 well as for the archaeological profession 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. In addition, my Department has advertised for additional archaeologists and is in the process of recruiting these at present. 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 end of the month.
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