The site referred to by the Deputy is included in the statutory Record of Monuments and Places and, as such, is protected under the National Monuments Acts.
Because of resource implications, the State is only ever in a position to acquire, maintain and present to the public a relatively small number of heritage properties and monuments. My Department makes such acquisitions from time to time in exceptional circumstances in line with their archaeological, architectural, historical or other special significance.
There are already approximately 1000 national monuments in State care which demand very extensive resource allocations, both in terms of funding and personnel. The care, maintenance and presentation of each of these national monuments is undertaken by the Office of Public Works in consultation and with the advice of my Department’s National Monuments Service. Against the background of the resources needed to service the extensive portfolio of monuments already in State care I regret that it is not possible at present to consider adding this site to that list.
I do, of course, appreciate that it is a valued local landmark and, as such, it may be eligible for consideration under one of the schemes operated by my Department that provide financial support for the conservation and protection of historic buildings. The Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund are administered by local authorities and details are available on their websites.
While the closing date for the 2018 funding has now elapsed my Department remains in contact with the local authorities throughout the year to ensure the best possible use of allocations, including by redistributing monies when, for example, projects do not go ahead. I would suggest that interested parties in this case should liaise with the relevant local authority to identify any potential assistance that might be available under the current or next round of funding.
