Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 February 2019
220. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has investigated whether there are remains of a mass famine grave site at a location (details supplied) on Coillte land in view of the fact that there is a granite memorial stone with the inscription of 1,847 there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9793/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my replies to PQ 274 of 27th June 2018 and PQ 762 of 12th July 2018, copies of which are below.
PQ 274 of 27th June 2018.
I am advised that a granite pillar was brought to the attention of my Department's National Monuments Service as possible evidence of the existence of a famine graveyard at the location in question. However, I understand that the Department's view is the origins and associations of the pillar are unlikely to relate to burials.
While there is insufficient evidence at this point for the marker to be recorded as an archaeological monument, I understand that my Department has given guidance to help local investigations to find out more about it and will be happy to advise on any such further information that may come to light.
PQ 762 of 12th July 2018
The advice given in response to the enquiries received by my Department in this case was that, by establishing the identity of local landowners in the nineteenth century and by clarifying the proximity of the granite pillar to any former demesnes/estates, related historical documents might provide information that would be helpful in establishing the origins of the pillar. That guidance also took account of data from the First Edition Ordnance Survey maps that is indicative of such historical land use in the area.
