Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1990

Vol. 394 No. 8

Written Answers. - Planning Objections.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

159 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Office of Public Works lodged substantial planning objections with An Bord Pleanála in relation to the appeal hearing concerning the proposal by a company (details supplied) to apply for planning permission for shale quarries on a 50 acre site adjacent to the Newgrange archaeological complex and the site of the Battle of the Boyne on the grounds that such a development would be environmentally damaging to the archaeological historical and tourist potential of this area; if he proposes to take any action to open discussions with the company in question in order that they might desist from proceeding with this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The Commissioners of Public Works did not lodge an objection with An Bord Pleanála as there was no known archaeological site within or close to the proposed area of quarrying. Dowth tumulus, the nearest major national monument in the Boyne Valley megalithic cemetery, is approximately 1.25 miles away across the river Boyne. The commissioners considered, therefore, that they had no sustainable grounds for objecting to the operation under the National Monuments Acts. These Acts do not provide for the protection of battle sites. As a precautionary measure the commissioners requested An Bord Pleanála, in the event of permission being granted, to insert conditions which would ensure the protection of any archaeological material that might be uncovered. Such conditions were stipulated by An Bord Pleanála and the company in question have retained an archaeologist to supervise the stripping of overburden.

The commissioners and Bord Fáilte have made arrangements with the company involved to discuss matters arising from the granting of planning permission for this development.