Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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408. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider an application from Longford County Council to share all reasonable acquisitions costs regarding the purchase of the Moat Granard National Monument; if he will ensure that the Office of Public Works uses it statutory powers to safeguard this important National Monument, which is a local tourist attraction, and ensure it comes into public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31589/13]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Granard Motte is a National Monument in State Guardianship and is located on a nine-acre site near the town.

The Monument consists of a huge mound of earth with a flat top and a hollow interior, which dates from before 1199 when it was used by Richard de Tuite during the Norman Conquest. It is the highest structure of its kind in Ireland.

The site is important and attracts both National and International visitors. It is a National Monument in State care which already comes within the statutory remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW) as defined in the various National Monuments Acts and is afforded full protection, notwithstanding that it is in Guardianship rather than full State ownership.

Acquisition of ownership of National Monuments, not already in the ownership of the State, and there are many such, is a matter for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Consultations with that Department on the possible acquisition of Granard Motte by the State have been initiated.