Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
638. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to explain the position regarding jointly funding the purchase of the Motte in Granard, County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36693/14]
View answerAlthough in private ownership, Granard motte and bailey is a national monument in the guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. As such, it enjoys the full range of protections afforded by those Acts, including a requirement that any works at, or in proximity to it, are subject to my prior written consent. My Department and Longford County Council have agreed to a joint approach to the potential acquisition of this national monument for the State. My Department has requested the Office of Public Works to enter negotiations with the landowner to establish if agreement could be reached on the proposal. These negotiations must, however, be conducted within the confines of the Office of Public Works’ site valuation and the limited capital funding available to my Department and the Council for the proposed acquisition.
