asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to take over Clonmacnois as a national monument at the request of the Offaly County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Monument.
The national monuments at Clonmacnois, which consist of seven churches, two round towers, a number of ancient crosses and a collection of early Christian sepulchral slabs, were vested in the Commissioners of Public Works for maintenance purposes under the Irish Church Act, 1869. The burial ground within which the monuments are situated is not State property, but the question of its transfer to the commissioners is at the moment under active consideration.
In view of the history associated with Clonmacnois, would the Parliamentary Secretary be prepared to recommend to the Commissioners of Public Works the terms of a resolution passed by the Offaly County Council in which they asked that thewhole terracing around the monuments, of which they are already in charge, be taken over and preserved as a national monument? Does he not think that the request of the county council is reasonable?
I am sure the commissioners are in possession of the terms of the resolution already, and that they are considering it in connection with other factors.
In view of the serious extent of the depredations which have taken place at some of these monuments already, and the need for protection, would the Parliamentary Secretary ask the commissioners to expedite their consideration of the matter?
That is a separate question.
The question asks if it is proposed to take over the monument.
The question refers to particular monuments but the Deputy is raising a general question.
It is in reference to Clonmacnois.
I said, in reply to Deputy Flanagan, that the matter is under active consideration.
Mr. Flanagan
May I ask when the Parliamentary Secretary expects the Office of Public Works will be able to convey a decision to the county council in that respect?
I cannot say, but I think the Deputy may take it that there will be no undue delay.