Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, Sinn Féin will not be opposing the Bill. We all have a duty to protect our heritage and history. That is why the Deputy and others in opposition have put in amendments. The disappointing thing here is the same as it was on Committee Stage. The Government does not seem to be prepared to accept any amendments to improve anything from this side of the House. It seems to have a policy that it will reject anything that comes from this side of the House.

I will speak to amendment No. 24 and, in particular, I want to discuss the integrity of historical structures. I will also speak to the provisions that will be made to ensure any works that could affect the integrity of a monument's context are covered by the requirements for licences. I live in Cashel and nobody needs to be told about the archaeological heritage we have, especially around the Rock of Cashel and its environs. What we see when we look at the Rock of Cashel is only part of the estate. The lands adjacent to it are an important feature of the overall archaeological complex built with the rock. It is not just composed of features above the ground but also of the archaeological resources believed to exist underneath these lands. That is an important factor to note when we are interested in developing adjacent to our heritage sites. Therefore, I favour measures that seek to enshrine in legislation the protections against developments that may cause damage to historical monuments whether the sites are partly seen or unseen. Certifiable evidence must be provided, following on from thorough investigation by independent experts, to verify whether such damage is likely. I understand this is separate to the additional issue of appropriate developments and so on. That is a separate matter. I am grateful for the opportunity to mention those issues.

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