Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

John Perry

Question:

344 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties encountered at a location (details supplied) in County Sligo with access to the site of 14 passage graves with associations reaching back to mythology; the reason the foot and mouth restrictions have not yet been lifted; if she will intervene with the parties to allow access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18670/01]

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

While foot and mouth restrictions have been eased recently, in the case of the site referred to by the Deputy the position is that access is by right of way over private land on which livestock are grazing. I am advised that pedestrian access is being permitted by the private landowners but they are not willing to allow vehicular access until the threat of foot and mouth has passed. I am keeping the situation at this site under review.