National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Questions (1750)

Clare Daly

Question:

1750. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 425 to 428, inclusive, of 15 July 2014, when agreeing to the erection of a replacement fence around the perimeter of the Drumanagh promontory fort and for works to improve the pasture of the site, if she took into account the fact that the consent will effectively severely restrict and curtail the coastal walk between Rush and Loughshinny, County Dublin, that has been enjoyed by thousands every week for decades, curtailing the appreciation and enjoyment of the deep history and heritage of the area for this and future generations. [33097/14]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question Nos. 425, 426 and 428 on 15 July 2014.

My primary role, as Minister, under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 is the protection of Ireland’s archaeological heritage. Ministerial consent is required under the Acts for any works within, around or in proximity to a national monument. It was in that context that the consent was given to the landowner for the replacement of the perimeter fence at Drumanagh Promontory Fort. The consent application was founded on facilitating agricultural use of the site by the landowner and protecting it from alleged incidences of anti-social behaviour, including use of motorcycles on the vulnerable earthen ramparts of the national monument as well as fires being set in and around the Martello Tower.

Any question of public access to the site is a matter for the landowner involved. I understand, however, that discussions on this issue have been taking place between the landowner and Fingal County Council.