Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
446. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way many historical wells and hand water pumps have been categorised by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29435/14]
View answerThe Archaeological Survey of Ireland, part of my Department’s National Monuments Service, has compiled records of in excess of 151,000 confirmed or potential archaeological monuments. The majority of the records have been identified from their representation as antiquarian features on Ordnance Survey maps, while others would have been brought to the attention of the Survey through ongoing research by local historians and other interested parties. The Archaeological Survey records include 2,990 holy wells, 459 other wells and 5 records that describe pumps. Information on recorded monuments is available from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland section of my Department’s National Monuments Service website, www.archaeology.ie.
Separately, the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) records water pumps and water hydrants. The NIAH survey can be viewed on www.buildingsofireland.ie. Those rated of 'regional or above' significance are included by me, as Minister, in recommendations to planning authorities, made under section 53 of the Planning and Development Act as amended, for inclusion on their Records of Protected Structures.
