Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 361: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the advice of the Director of the National Museum regarding the recent discovery at Lismullen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17849/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Before directions issued in this case under the National Monuments Acts, the Director of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) was consulted as required by law and offered detailed comments by way of written submission. The issues raised by the Director in relation to the National Monument discovered at Lismullin were considered and taken into account in finalising the directions which issued.

In his letter the Director agreed that the scale and comparative rarity of the monument type found at Lismullin made a compelling case for designating it as a National Monument. The Director gave his assurance that the NMI would be of every assistance in affording the fullest advice and support in the necessary excavation programme of the henge. I welcome the Director's offer of the full assistance of the National Museum.

A recommendation from the Director that a special committee should be quickly installed in order to afford the National Monument at Lismullin the fullest and most detailed attention and a full excavation to the highest and most transparent standard has also been accepted. That committee will meet for the first time this week.

The Director also requested copies of various reports and that he be facilitated in any inspection of the archaeological works at Lismullin. Copies of these reports will be supplied to him and the Director will be facilitated in inspecting the archaeological works.