Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

204 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the vandalism of Abbey Castle, Callan, County Kilkenny; and the steps, if any, she proposes to take to prevent the vandalism to this historic site. [13132/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I assume that the site which the Deputy is referring to is the Augustinian Priory, Callan, County Kilkenny which is, I understand, known locally as the Abbey Castle. The priory is a national monument in the ownership of my Department and it is no longer the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.

I am aware that there have been instances of vandalism at this site. Officials of Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, are liaising with the gardaí concerning the matter and have reported all incidents that have come to their attention. Grids are being installed at all entrance points to the monument and I am hopeful that these works, together with the assistance of the Garda authorities, will reduce the incidence of vandalism at the site.