Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2010
435 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the vandalism by motorbike riders and metal detector users that is occurring consistently on an ongoing scale and on a regular basis at a particular heritage site (details supplied); the measures that will be put in place to protect the area against these activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23393/10]
View answerDrumanagh Promontory Fort is a national monument which is subject to a Preservation Order made in 1977 under section 8 of the National Monuments Act, 1930. It is an offence for any person to interfere with the monument without the written consent of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
My Department recently carried out an inspection of the site on foot of reports of damage to the monument. A formal report of the inspection findings is being prepared for submission to an Garda Síochána with a view to prosecutions being initiated in respect of any offences under the National Monuments Acts. My Department will continue to monitor the site and to undertake inspections at regular intervals.
