Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 2

Written Answers. - Roads Projects.

John Perry

Ceist:

38 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that sufficient resources are in place to carry out archaeological surveys on proposed major roadways in the future; if she will outline the resources available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15342/00]

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

My Department is currently in discussions with the National Roads Authority, NRA, which are now at an advanced stage with a view to drawing up a code of practice to provide a framework within existing legislation and policies to enable the NRA to progress with its programme of work whilst carrying out appropriate archaeological mitigation which have regard to a set of principles and actions agreed by both parties.

In accordance with the ‘developer pays' principle as well as the code of practice, it will be a matter for the NRA to provide the resources necessary to carry out a satisfactory programme of archaeological mitigation on its major roads projects. This will involve putting the necessary resources into the planning, on-site surveys and investigations and follow-up excavation as required. The code of practice will enable me to ensure that these resources are put in place by the NRA so as to ensure that a satisfactory mitigation programme is effected.