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National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2019

Thursday, 21 February 2019

Questions (57)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department has identified historical sites such as burial mounds or other similar sensitive or historical sites which may benefit from protection nationally with a view to their sensitive or archaeological development for tourism and educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8703/19]

View answer

Written answers

 As Minister, I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites.  The Acts allow me to make a preservation order where I consider a national monument to be at risk. Local authorities are responsible under the Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians. Any works to national monuments either managed by the OPW or those in the care of a local authority require my consent under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 as amended.

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. The National Monuments Service of 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 my Department receives a report of a threat or damage to a monument.

Archaeological excavations are regulated through the licensing system under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended. The majority of such 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 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.  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.

My Department fully supports the appropriate conservation of Ireland’s heritage sites, both as important assets in their own right and to optimise their contribution to economic development and tourism promotion.  The Department is in regular and ongoing contact with the Office of Public Works and Fáilte Ireland in the context of its Strategic Partnership to agree and devise shared priorities and policy approaches with respect to the management of national monuments and their development as tourist attractions. The results of this partnership include improved presentation of national monuments and an enhanced visitor experience. Visitor services at historical buildings and sites in State ownership are provided by the Office of Public Works.

Specifically in the educational field, the Department’s National Monuments Service has collaborated with Limerick Education Centre to produce a series of lesson plans and resources that is available to primary and secondary school students to promote greater interest in and knowledge of our archaeological heritage.

The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also plays an important role in education and community engagement with heritage through initiatives such as Heritage Week and the very popular Heritage in Schools Programme.

Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage is my Department’s Sectoral Plan as part of Project Ireland 2040 and was launched on 1 March 2018. It includes an allocation of €285 million for natural and built heritage.

Heritage Ireland 2030 is a new national heritage plan for Ireland which is currently being developed by my Department. It will provide a coherent national heritage policy, recognising its importance to local communities and global visitors alike. Community engagement will lie at the heart of Heritage Ireland 2030 reflecting the values, visions and concerns of our citizens, communities, farmers, tourists and businesses. Public consultation is now open until 28 February 2019. It provides the opportunity for stakeholders to engage with our heritage, building on the priorities and key investment targets set out in Investing in our Culture, Heritage and Language.

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