Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
138. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify if the Hill of Allen is on the Public Monuments Register; if not, whether the Government plans to speak with all relevant stakeholders to examine the opportunity for the State to take ownership of very important key landmark in County Kildare, which is associated with St. Brigid. [44469/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Hill of Allen is included on the Record of Places and Monuments;
KD018-02101- Carrick (Rathernan ED) Tumulus possible site
KD018-02102- Carrick (Rathernan ED) Cist Site
In respect of acquiring or accepting properties, such acquisitions are considered within the context of available resources. Usually acquisition is in the interests of the preservation, conservation and management of monuments or sites. In all cases, my Department examines any potential acquisition carefully, taking into account similar existing properties within the State portfolio, gaps in the State portfolio, any conservation and remedial works required, and the short and long term current and capital cost of acquisition and maintenance to the Exchequer. There are currently over 800 structures (mostly archaeological) in the ownership of the Minister around the country and as such my Department is only ever in a position to make a very limited number of acquisitions.
