116 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the historical importance of the Drumanagh site at Rush-Loughshinny, County Dublin; and if he will purchase the site with a view to carrying out a major archaeological dig and constructing a heritage centre. [9089/97]

I am aware of the importance of the Drumanagh Promontory Fort at Loughshinny, County Dublin, which has been afforded the protection of a preservation order, made under the National Monuments Acts. Archaeological excavation and any subsequent presentation of the site would be dependent on taking it into State care, which would require very significant Exchequer outlay. In previous negotiations with the land-owner concerned, agreement could not be reached on the terms of acquisition. If, in the future, satisfactory terms can be agreed, the question of acquisition would then be reconsidered.