Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2007
270 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the application to construct a burial ground in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a decision on this matter as quickly as possible. [4649/07]
View answerKerry County Council has made an application for my consent under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) to carry out works in respect of a proposed extension to this graveyard. A national monument in State ownership, Aughamore Abbey, is located within the graveyard. Due to the sensitive nature of the site from both an archaeological and ecological viewpoint, detailed consideration of the application by my Department was necessary to assess the potential impact of the proposals on both the built and natural heritage. The Office of Public Works who manage the national monument on my behalf were also consulted. In addition to that I am required under the relevant statutory provisions to consult with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland before granting a consent under section 14 of the 1930 Act (as amended). That consultative process has commenced in this case and on its completion a decision in the matter will issue to the County Council. The statutory period specified for such consultation is not more than 14 days or such other period as may be agreed in the circumstances of a particular case.
