Although the monument site referred to is listed in the 1995 Record of Monuments and Places established under the National Monuments Acts, it would be important to note that there were no surviving archaeological features above ground even at that time. The site was, until recently, in the ownership of the local authority. In line with its statutory obligations under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, and under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, the local authority consulted my Department during 2013 and 2014 regarding the archaeological implications of proposed works it was considering in the context of potential future development of the site.
In response, my Department advised the authority of its view that the appropriate course would be to secure the preservation of any archaeological remains, by record, through an appropriate level of archaeological excavation and recording. A programme of archaeological excavation, licensed by my Department under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, was subsequently carried out. The report on the excavation works will be considered by my Department, on receipt and will inform any future deliberations in relation to this matter, including any potential future referral to my Department relating to development impacting directly on the monument site.
