Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of round towers in existence nationally; if each is in good or restorable condition; her plans to address issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45788/19]
View answerDetails of eighty six round towers are included in the records maintained by my Department under the National Monuments Acts. Those that form part of national monuments in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister, are conserved and managed on a day-to-day basis by the Office of Public Works which ensures their long-term preservation and protection. Round towers that comprise national monuments in the ownership of local authorities are the responsibility of the relevant local authority. Works at or in their vicinity of any national monument may only be conducted with the formal consent of the Minister under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended).
Other round towers may also be in local authority ownership, or may be in the ownership of other organisations or individuals. The upkeep of such structures is the responsibility of the relevant owners and anyone proposing works to them must give my Department two months' notice prior to commencement. My Department also provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through grant schemes which are generally administered by the local authorities. The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of our architectural heritage.
As they are a distinctively and primarily Irish monument type, round towers have attracted study and care from antiquarian times. I am advised that, because of this longterm interest in and commitment to their conservation, the condition of round towers generally is amongst the best of all monument types.
