Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023

Wednesday, 3 May 2023

Questions (123)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

123. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform on behalf of a person (details supplied), if the Office of Public Works will take responsibility for a pathway up to a ring fort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20267/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

Leac na Buile is within private property and is a monument in State Guardianship only. Under the National Monument Act the State and by extension, the Office of Public Works (OPW), have the right of access for the maintenance of this monument. This right of access is not conferred to the public as a right of way and public access is completely at the behest of the landowner.

I can advise that the OPW makes various arrangements across the country with landowners and key-holders in relation to access to and maintenance of National Monuments in Guardianship of the State. Therefore, I suggest that the property owner makes contact with my officials in the National Monuments Section of the Office of Public Works to discuss this matter further.