asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the findings of the recent survey of County Sligo carried out by the sites and monuments records office on behalf of the Office of Public Works; the significance of the findings; the manner in which it is proposed to follow up on the discoveries from the point of view of preservation, further examination and evaluation of the sites and promotion as a tourist attraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Survey of County Sligo.
95.
The virtually completed County Sligo Sites and Monuments Record arising from the archaeological survey of County Sligo will document approximately 4,500 sites ranging across a very diverse range of monument types. The survey shows that Sligo has an impressive density of archaeological heritage with many prehistoric sites including a notable number of megalithic tombs. Consideration of various sites for specific protection under the National Monuments Acts will be an ongoing process. The work was largely an office based paper survey with only limited fieldwork. Further survey work in County Sligo will involve full fieldwork with a view to producing an archaeological inventory. It is the policy of the Commissioners of Public Works to provide, subject to financial constraints, comprehensive visitor interpretative facilities at major national monuments. Minor works to facilitate the presentation of monuments to the public are done at other sites. Their programme is constantly under review and sites in County Sligo will be considered in that context.