Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
365. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has received correspondence from a group (details supplied); the assistance which can be afforded to this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39371/17]
View answerMy Department has not received correspondence to date from this group in relation to commemorating the event referred to by the Deputy.
The structure in question is a National Monument in my ownership as Minister and is managed on my behalf by the Commissioners of Public Works. I understand that the group referred to was in contact with the Commissioners earlier this year in relation to hosting a commemorative event at this site and were advised on how to proceed. The group will need prior approval from the Commissioners for the use of the National Monument. Any proposed impacts or works on the National Monument will also require my consent under Section 14 of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2014.
The best advice for the group is, in the first instance, to remain in contact with the Office of Public Works in relation to obtaining the necessary permissions. I also suggest contacting the Heritage Officer in the local authority who is well placed to advise on the issues including the various funding options which may be available or applicable in this case.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, provides some grants for community events relating to heritage. It is a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports annually having regard to competing priorities for limited resources. Further details of grant schemes available from the Heritage Council can be found at www.heritagecouncil.ie.
