Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had a wonderful visit to Howth portal tomb recently. Also known as Aideen’s Grave, it dates from the Neolithic period and is a recorded monument situated in the Howth demesne townland. Within a peninsula of great historical, archaeological and amenity importance, it is an important landmark. As a recorded monument, Aideen’s Grave is afforded protection under the National Monuments Acts and should the owners wish to carry out or cause or permit the carrying out of any work at or in respect of it, they are required to give notice in writing to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of their proposal. At least two months’ notice of proposed works is the statutory requirement in this regard unless in a case of urgent necessity, but that still needs my consent as Minister of State.

I am aware that the site in question is in private ownership and not in State care. I recently visited this interesting site with local representatives. I was grateful to meet representatives of the landowner and members of the local community and was glad to see that there was good co-operation between them on the ground. I thank Mr. Shane O'Doherty of Shane's Howth Adventures for taking us on an entertaining tour, followed by a boat trip around Ireland's Eye with The Waterboys blaring out. I also thank Ms Caroline Parker of Deer Park Golf for her hospitality on the day.

I understand that the public is welcome to visit the monument, but there have been some issues as regards organised visits and community organisations. I also understand that local community groups have been in contact with the owners of the estate to discuss the issue of public access to the monument and that the owners have offered to meet any concerned parties to try to come up with a way forward. I hope that a resolution that ensures that locals and visitors continue to enjoy access to this important monument will be found. That the site is in private ownership means that I, as Minister of State, have no role in the issue of public access to the monument.

The recently enacted Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, once commenced, includes provisions on the creation of a public right of way to a monument. The Deputy will be familiar with this Act, having helped progress it through the Houses. This provision was included in response to the debate as the Bill progressed through the Oireachtas. Section 89(5) reads: "The Minister may, by notice in writing, request a local authority to consider creating a public right of way, under section 206 or 207 of the Act of 2000, to a registered monument situated in the authority’s functional area." Section 89(6) provides for the relevant local authority to give formal consideration to any such request, including by way of a recommendation to its elected members. I have made a representative from the National Monuments Service of my Department available to be consulted on the recorded monument and to advise further on any matters in terms of the archaeology and the obligations of owners and custodians of recorded monuments under the National Monuments Acts.

We had a fantastic, informative and entertaining visit. It is important that we find a way forward that is beneficial to the wider Howth community and to visitors to the area. This is an important part of our heritage.

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