Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I have no function in regard to the regulation of development outside the bounds of the preservation order. I mentioned that the Minister granted consent on 16 July 2013 but he also refused consent for the demolition of any structures or removal of material which date from or before 1916. Works for the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument were also refused and the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16 was refused, so they are being protected. It is also important that NAMA has approved funding for the proposed works to the national monument and it is now a matter for the monument owners to progress the project.

I accept the Deputy's point that it is a very important site. A lot of work has been done on this to date. I will certainly be protecting the particular area that has been designated as a national monument, as it is my duty to do.

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