18 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if progress has been made regarding the restoration of the ancient paved well at Shandon, Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6875/02]

As I explained to the Deputy in my reply of 12 December last, my Department is already committed to a programme of works under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and, other than providing advice, it is not in a position to become involved in this scheme to uncover, restore and present this well to the people of Dungravan. I stated at that time that should Dungarvan Urban District Council wish to carry out such a restoration scheme, I would arrange for officials of my Department to provide advice in relation to the best practice and also to provide technical advice. The urban district council has not yet been in contact with my Department with any proposals to carry out such restoration works.

Previously the Minister gave me to believe that Dúchas would take the initiative. Now she is putting the emphasis on the urban district council. Surely it should be the job of Dúchas to ensure that a monument which is part of our heritage is uncovered and renovated?

The Deputy will be aware that the planning archaeologist is still monitoring developments in the area. No development proposal has been sent in relation to the site but officials of my Department have spoken to the UDC about the site in order to advise it of the possible importance of the site.

It has not responded. What does one do when the council does not respond? Does an ancient monument disappear? Does somebody knock it down or build over it? This is the fourth time I have raised this matter in the Dáil and nothing has been done. Will the Minister ensure action is taken by somebody, whether it is the urban district council or Dúchas?

The urban district council has not brought forward any proposals to the Department but I am sure the Deputy will be of assistance in encouraging the UDC to do so. Once that is done, my Department can revert to the council on the issues involved.

One might as well talk to the wall as talk to the urban district council.

That answers the Deputy's question.

It is up to the Minister to do something about it. The Minister has the authority.

This Department does not get involved in the running of urban district councils. It would not be appropriate. If the UDC puts forward proposals, not only are we willing to look at them but we are willing to give the practical and technical advice that is required. All we need are the proposals from the urban district council.

If local authorities do not do their job, does the Minister or Dúchas not have an obligation to ensure that ancient monuments are preserved?

Certainly, we wish to see ancient monuments preserved. That is why we offer advice. However, in this case the urban district council must come forward with proposals.

In the circumstances that obtain in this case, surely it would not be inappropriate for a representative of Dúchas to contact the urban district council to let it know that the Department will respond positively in terms of advice and technical knowledge? If considerable expense was involved, I hope that could be considered as well.

There is little or no expense involved.

As I said earlier, I believe the UDC has already been contacted by my Department.

On the subject of holy wells, has a national inventory been compiled of the number of holy wells in the country and access to them?

This work is being carried out. If the Deputy puts down a specific question on the matter, I will be happy to answer it. Perhaps he would put down a written question so it will be answered as quickly as possible.