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National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2019

Thursday, 21 February 2019

Questions (219, 228)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of historical sites or structures under archaeological investigation nationally; the progress in respect of such sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8958/19]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of archaeological excavations nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8968/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 228 together.

Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, my Department has established and maintains the Record of Monuments and Places, which affords legal protection to over 120,000 recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State.  Anyone proposing works in relation to a monument that is included in the Record of Monument and Places must give my Department two months prior notice before works can start. My Department also continually updates an inventory of archaeological monuments in the State, to ensure protection of newly-discovered archaeological sites. Furthermore, investigations are carried out where the Department receives a report of a threat or damage to a monument. Responsibility for management and maintenance of historical buildings and sites in State ownership rests with the Office of Public Works.

My function as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to archaeological excavations is to regulate this activity through the licensing system under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended. The majority of archaeological excavations are carried out by private sector archaeological consultants for the purpose of assessing the impact of proposed development on possible archaeological features or mitigating the impact of development on archaeological heritage.  A much smaller number are carried out for conservation or research purposes.  In deciding whether to grant an archaeological excavation licence, appropriate consideration is given to the need to maintain the integrity of affected archaeological sites.  

In 2018, 956 excavation licenses were issued by the Department's National Monuments Service, while 83 excavation licenses have been issued up to the end of January this year. All archaeological excavation licences are granted subject to conditions requiring the excavations to be conducted to an appropriate standard and that reports on the results are furnished to my Department's National Monuments Service.

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