National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2015

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Ceisteanna (307)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

307. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department plans to allocate funding to Duncannon Fort, County Wexford, which recently closed due to funding issues and which is an important source of local revenue due to its historical significance to the area; if he has been in contact with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport or the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to possible actions to reopen Duncannon Fort, which has in the past been the recipient of public funding grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18129/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

I understand that Wexford County Council recently announced that Duncannon Fort has been temporarily closed due to health and safety issues.

I note that the Deputy asked my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht a similar question in relation to Duncannon Fort recently.  She explained that while part of the site is under her guardianship under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, it is owned entirely by Wexford County Council.  In accordance with arrangements in regard to all national monuments, the Office of Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of that part of the site in the guardianship of her Department. 

Therefore, I, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, have no direct role in this regard.  The question of possible actions to reopen Duncannon Fort is a matter for Wexford County Council in the first instance.  I understand that the Board of Duncannon Fort, in conjunction with Wexford County Council, is focused on a response to address not only the health and safety issues but also to develop a strategic plan to develop the fort's potential as a high quality tourist attraction.