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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 May 1927

Vol. 19 No. 19

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PRESERVATION OF ANCIENT MONUMENTS.

asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he has seen the report that an old fort near Creggs was recently cut through when the Land Commission was dividing up land; whether such action was sanctioned by the Land Commission; whether the Minister will take steps to prevent the destruction of forts and other ancient monuments situated on lands over which the Land Commission has control.

Mr. HOGAN

In the division of lands on the Rodney estate, near Creggs, it was necessary to erect a fence through a portion of the ground which once formed a fort. The greater part of this fort was carted away many years ago; and there is now but slight indication of its existence.

The Land Commission are fully aware of the importance of preserving ancient monuments which are of public interest by reason of historic, traditional, artistic, or archæological interest, and in such cases take the steps prescribed by the Land Purchase Acts with a view to their being vested in the Commissioners of Public Works or the county council.

Will the Minister take steps to see that the find made at Creggs is properly examined by experts and, if suitable, preserved in some public museum in the Saorstát?

I presume the Minister has seen the statement made in to-day's "Irish Times" dealing with the Lambay Island find. Will the Minister consider favourably the question of introducing legislation in order to preserve ancient monuments and relies and prevent them being exported? I do not know if it is really a matter for the Minister's Department.

Mr. HOGAN

It is not a matter for my Department, but I may say that I think such legislation as the Deputy has referred to is under consideration. With regard to finds, if there is any find of coins, or anything of historical importance, the Land Commission consider it their duty to get whatever is found and submit it to the proper authorities. I may say that from the information I have at hand there was really no find made of skulls or otherwise.

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