Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 July 2022
64. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagements which the National Monuments Service has had with Roscommon County Council regarding the closure of Cloonshanville cemetery, County Roscommon due to the instability of the Abbey bell tower; the steps that are being taken to reopen the cemetery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36375/22]
View answerThe friary at the referenced site is a national monument in the care and ownership of the local authority. My Department is liaising with the local authority over the condition of the monument to give archaeological advice regarding its care. The local authority would be eligible to apply for funding for conservation and repair of the friary under the 2023 Community Monuments Fund which is administered through local authorities by the National Monuments Service of my Department.
The closure of the graveyard at the site is a matter for the local authority under its public safety obligations.
