Tom Barry
Ceist:506. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Education and Skills the full cost of the archaeological dig in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [5654/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 10 February 2015
Ceisteanna (506)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware the conditions attached to the planning consent granted in respect of the project in question contained a requirement that archaeological monitoring be undertaken during the removal of topsoil and other ground works. The rationale underlying the requirement was the presence of a monument which is listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places in the vicinity of the project location, as well as its proximity to the zone of archaeological potential surrounding the historic town where the school is being built, which is also a recorded monument. I understand that ground works at the site revealed evidence of significant archaeological remains and, as a result, an archaeological excavation was commenced, which was also a planning condition.
The cost of the archaeological monitoring to date is €103,239 inclusive of VAT. I understand that a small quantity of archaeological monitoring is planned for the final services connections which will require excavations and this is expected to take place later this year.