Vol. 534 No. 4
33 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the measures that would be necessary to undertake a satisfactory survey or research on the level of interest in the archaeological excavations of medieval Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10614/01]
As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 15 of 14 December, 2000, no survey or research has been carried out on the level of interest in archaeological excavations of medieval Dublin. When my Department commissions research on heritage sites it tends to be in respect of the experience of visitors to particular sites and this has, in the main, produced positive feedback. At this stage, it is not a priority for my Department to undertake research of the type referred to by the Deputy. However, given the remit of the Heritage Council to propose policies and priorities in relation to the protection, presentation and enhancement of heritage, it might be something that body would undertake. It must be remembered that much of the archaeological excavation in Dublin in recent years has been development led. The priority with such excavations is to preserve archaeological remains by record.
