Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1346. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a community heritage and tourism facility will be put in place at Mayne in view of the High Court decision to cease the destruction of the Mayne Bog (details supplied). [25257/18]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 660 and 661 on 28 March 2018 in which I set out my Department’s significant input and involvement in the safeguarding of the toghers, or ancient trackways, discovered at Mayne.
Over the years the Department has liaised with and provided archaeological advice and information to local heritage groups, the local authority and the landowner and has itself commissioned a series of archaeological surveys of the finds. The fundamental objective has been to protect and preserve the toghers and I am satisfied that the measures being taken represent the best approach to securing an optimal outcome in that regard.
The provision of visitor facilities by the State at archaeological monument sites is a function of the Office of Public Works (OPW) rather than of my own Department. Such facilities are put in place by OPW at the more significant locations that are in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister, under the National Monuments Acts. The Mayne togher site is not in state care and is privately owned. I am advised that the Glendalough and Ballycroy facilities instanced by the Deputy, which are managed by OPW and my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service respectively, both involve substantial capital investments with significant ongoing running costs.
I fully appreciate the local and wider public interest there is in the Mayne toghers and it may be that the local authority, assisted perhaps by local groups, might be interested in helping with the presentation of the site. I am happy to confirm that my Department’s National Monuments Service will be available to assist and guide the Council in that regard if required.
