Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 January 2022
23. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Office of Public Works engagement to protect the Glendruid Dolmen in Brennanstown, Dún Laoghaire; and if efforts will be made to ensure continued public access to this important historical site. [2480/22]
View answerGlendruid Dolmen in Brennanstown is in the Guardianship of the State. Section 5 of the National Monuments Act (1930) allows owners of other national monuments to appoint the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage or the relevant local authority as guardian of such monuments, subject to their consent. This means in effect that while the property of such a monument remains vested in the owner, its maintenance and upkeep are the responsibility of the State. Glendruid Dolmen is one such monument and it came into State Guardianship in 1931. The then-owner reserved the right to restrict public access to the monument. This remains the position of the current owner today. There is, however, a recognised right-of-way for the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to access the site for the purpose of maintenance. OPW is committed to its role in the protection, preservation and conservation of all National Monuments in State care, including Glendruid Dolmen in line with its legislative obligation. The OPW has no role in the provision of public access in this instance. Unfortunately, public access cannot be facilitated where a public right-of way is not in place.
