National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 January 2013

Thursday, 17 January 2013

Questions (98)

Dominic Hannigan

Question:

98. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to floodlight the old monastery and church near the Hill of Skyrne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2106/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

There are aesthetic and practical considerations involved in deciding whether floodlighting of particular sites is either feasible or appropriate. The nearby availability of a power source, cost, rural light pollution and the appropriateness of floodlighting isolated sites must all be taken into account. In many situations, floodlighting in an urban setting is feasible, while the same might not be true in a rural location.

It is the general policy of the Office of Public Works not to floodlight National Monuments sites in rural settings and this applies in the case of Skryne. OPW has not, in any event, received a request to floodlight this church.