John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 227: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is satisfied that all of the monuments located on the site known as St Mary's Church, Thomastown, County Kilkenny, continue to be fully protected and available for viewing to the general public; if public access through the two gates to the site will continue to be maintained and operated in the interest of the public; if his views were sought on recent developments and planning permission relative to this site; if his officials oversaw recent works at the graveyard on this site; if his Department will fund the maintenance of the graveyard and listed monuments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34613/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The site of St. Mary's Church, Thomastown consists of the ruins of a thirteenth century church and a 19th century former Church of Ireland church, currently used as a private dwelling. The 19th century church is located within the boundary of the 13th century church. Both churches are situated within a walled graveyard. The 13th century church is a National Monument in State ownership and is under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The 19th century church building and graveyard are in private ownership. OPW understands that there is no public right of way to the graveyard or to either church. OPW has access to the 13th century church for the purpose of carrying out maintenance and repair work. The graveyard, which is in private ownership, is not part of the National Monument in State care. Recent works at the graveyard were not overseen by OPW.

The owner of the 19th century Church and graveyard carried out extensive renovations in 2003-4, on foot of a planning permission granted by Kilkenny County Council. As part of the application process, the National Monuments Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government was consulted as was the National Monuments Section of OPW.

The conservation and maintenance of the 13th century St Mary's Church, a National Monument in State care, will continue to be the responsibility of the Office of Public works.