Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will consider an application from Longford County Council to share all reasonable acquisition 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. [34063/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Granard motte and bailey is a national monument in the guardianship of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. As such, it enjoys the full range of protections afforded by those Acts, including a requirement that any works at, or in proximity to it, are subject to my prior written consent. The scope for acquiring ownership of such monuments is extremely limited in the prevailing budgetary circumstances. My Department is, however, examining this case with a view to determining, in consultation with the Office of Public Works and Longford County Council, the best available options for securing the long-term preservation and presentation of the monument.