Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004
69 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the State should purchase a selection of national monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32769/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in co-operation with the Office of Public Works, already owns and manages a large portfolio of built heritage properties. Significant expansion of this property portfolio is not envisaged. Effort is being directed at present to developing a suitable model or models for a national trust arrangement for Ireland; this could harness private sector and voluntary, as well as State, support for the acquisition and management of heritage properties.
The Department does not, in these circumstances, have proposals for purchasing specific further national monuments.
