Vol. 529 No. 4
124 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence if he will have investigations made into the problems with regard to the siting of a carpark for a GAA club (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2961/01]
On 25 January 2001 it was observed that work on the construction of a car park had commenced at Athgarvan GAA Club. As the works had not been approved immediate steps were taken to halt them. Approximately 3.5 acres of the Curragh is leased to Athgarvan GAA Club under the terms of an agreement dated 25 April 1988 which stipulates that the prior written approval of the lessor must be obtained before the lessee can carry out any works in the leased area. In addition, the Curragh in its entirety, is classified as a recorded monument under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994, and this requires persons wishing to undertake earthworks to obtain the prior permission of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. It is also considered that the works which the club propose to undertake would be subject to the grant of planning permission by Kildare County Council.
Officials of my Department met with representatives of the club yesterday afternoon and requested that a formal application to carry out the works be submitted to enable the matter to be fully considered. The club's representatives agreed to consider the request and a response from them is currently awaited.
