Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1147: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1829 of 31 January 2007, the status of the conservation study of the Rathcroghan archaeological complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20898/07]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 1148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No 516 of 20 June 2006, the steps he is taking to provide public access to sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20899/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1147 and 1148 together.

The conservation study of the Rathcroghan archaeological complex, County Roscommon, was completed recently. The study aims to assist in the development of a conservation framework for the site, prioritising features of archaeological importance within the study area, and to suggest practical policies for the site's conservation. At their request an advance copy of the completed study has, with my approval, been issued to Roscommon County Council and to a group representing local landowners. Arrangements are also being made to send advance copies to the Deputy and other local public representatives.

Arrangements are being made for the publication of the study, which will in addition, be made available on my Department's website.

The wide range of issues addressed by the study includes that of public access to national monuments, in the context of the pattern of land ownership in the area. The views of landowners in the area were elicited and the study has identified a number of potential measures to improve public access to the monuments. These measures will be considered by my Department, the Office of Public Works and other relevant stakeholders with a view to progressing appropriate measures, where practical, in due course.