Vol. 555 No. 2
383 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he will take to restore and protect Black Fern Gate, Kilkenny City; and if an immediate inspection of the site can be arranged with a view to outlining a plan of action. [17974/02]
Black Fern Gate is not in the ownership of my Department, which accordingly does not plan to carry out work at this national monument. Slight movement occurred in the gate during works by Kilkenny County Council in 1997. The council, as owners of the monument, asked Dúchas for assistance in monitoring it and Dúchas has provided this on occasions. No further movement has been reported to date.
384 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce a fund to be administered by local authorities, for the purpose of assisting local communities in the restoration of old graveyards; the assistance which is available at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17975/02]
Local authorities are directly responsible for the management and maintenance of burial grounds provided by them. In relation to other burial grounds, section 66 of the Local Government Act, 2001, provides general discretion for local authorities to promote the interests of the local community and to make available assistance in money or in kind to this end. My Department already provides significant general purpose financial support to local authorities through the local government fund. In the circumstances, I have no proposal to establish a special fund as suggested.
385 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if Dúchas will take into charge The Fen, Newpark, Kilkenny; if it cannot be taken into charge, if a regular maintenance programme for the Fen can be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17976/02]
My Department is advised that the area referred to is managed by Kilkenny County Council under an agreement between them and its owners and that the council has implemented a maintenance programme for the site. There are no plans in my Department to manage this area or to take it into its charge.
