Vol. 549 No. 4
238 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number and location of ring forts or other medieval structures or earthworks in County Kildare; the extent to which these are available for educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7057/02]
239 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of ring forts or other such earthworks which have been archaeologically explored to date; the locations at which such works are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7058/02]
240 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the number and location of planned archaeological explorations taking place throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7059/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 240, inclusive, together.
The principal source of information in relation to the number of archaeological sites registered in County Kildare is the record of monuments and places for County Kildare which lists the number of recorded sites at 1,628. Officials from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department are currently undertaking an archaeological survey of the county. The fieldwork for this survey is nearing completion. This survey will, when completed, provide more up-to-date data on the quantity and type of sites in the county.
It is not possible to quantify the numbers of sites where archaeological excavations have taken place since the foundation of the State. The Deputy will be aware that my Department licences archaeological investigations and excavations, primarily in response to development and so far this year my Department has issued 257 excavation licences.
