Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

I refer to this very important issue and, in particular, to the issue of the Drumanagh archeological site in Loughshinny, north County Dublin, along the coastline. This area is reckoned to be a Roman fort according to some experts and academics. There is a national monument and it has a Martello tower, built in 1803, which is a protected structure. What action can the Minister of State take to prevent vandalism of the site, in particular by motor cycle riders who are destroying the land and, worse still, people using metal detectors. It is a very serious issue and one local resident and the local historical society, the Loughshinny & Rush Historical Society is very concerned about it.

How can access be blocked off from the bikers who are coming on site? How can these fortifications be fenced off? What warning signs can the national monuments service erect and how can fines be applied to offenders? The State should acquire this land, but in the short term we must take action to stop the vandals on bikes and those using metal detectors. I put it to the Minister of State that we need urgent action on the matter.

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