Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Howth House (Dublin) Development Site.

Patrick McCartan

Ceist:

20 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that adequate steps are taken by the Office of Public Works to safeguard the archaeological and historical importance and remains of the proposed development site at Howth House, Howth, Dublin 13 and including, in part, the ancient site of St. Mary's Abbey; the proposals he has to supervise development at the site; whether the Office of Public Works will be carrying on direct archaeological digs at this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. V. Brady

The Commissioners of Public Works will do all within their power to have the condition of the planning permission relating to the protection of archaeology complied with. They have requested the developers to employ an archaeologist to monitor excavation work. It is not intended that the Office of Public Works will carry out an archaeological dig at this site as it is the policy of the commissioners that developers should bear the cost of any archaeological investigation occasioned by their developments.

Mr. Gilmore

Are the Office of Public Works satisfied that the bore holes that have been dug in the site recently do not endanger any archaeological matters?

Mr. V. Brady

That work has now ceased and the developers have recently given notice to the Commissioners of Public Works of their intention to commence building soon. The commissioners have requested the developers to employ an archaeologist to appraise the site and monitor excavation work. I will be in touch with them shortly to agree satisfactory measures to protect the site.