Written answer
National Monuments
Dún Dealgan’s existing ministerial guardianship provides high statutory protection, which will transfer under the 2023 Act when its relevant provisions commence.
697. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the fact that a proposed development is subject to the planning process prevents or restricts the Minister from separately considering the exercise of statutory powers under the National Monuments Acts; the legislative basis for any such restriction; and if he retains the power to make a preservation order or take another protective measure before a final planning determination or the commencement of development. [64783/26]
Comment on this
698. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the precise legal, archaeological or policy reasons that the powers relating to guardianship, preservation orders or temporary preservation orders under the National Monuments Acts were not considered applicable or appropriate in the case of Dún Dealgan; if legal advice was sought on the possible use of those powers; and if he will provide a detailed account of the statutory criteria that were applied in reaching this conclusion. [64782/26]
Comment on this
699. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department considered exercising any statutory power under the National Monuments Acts 1930–2014 to protect Dún Dealgan Motte, National Monument No. 388, and its surrounding archaeological and historic landscape following the proposed development on adjoining lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64781/26]
Comment on this
713. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that the Dún Dealgan Castletown Motte and Bailey site has not had special protection status conferred on it under the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. [64954/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 697, 698, 699 and 713 together.
Dún Dealgan is a national monument in Ministerial guardianship and therefore has a high level of protection under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014. Such statutory protection will carry over to the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 when the relevant aspects of the Act have been commenced.