Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
322. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of the steps that must be taken for a structure or site to gain national monument status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21104/23]
View answerUnder section 2 of the National Monuments Act 1930 a “national monument” is defined (in summary) as any monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic, or archaeological interest attaching to it, and also includes the site of the monument and the means of access thereto and also such portion of land adjoining such site as may be required to fence, cover in, or otherwise preserve from injury the monument or to preserve the amenities thereof. Where the Minister is satisfied that a monument meets the above definition, he or she may exercise a number of powers under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 in relation to the national monument, including the making of a Preservation Order in relation to the national monument in a case where the national monument is in danger, taking the national monument into his or her Guardianship and acquiring the national monument.
