Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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144. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with regard to the proposed demolition of Nos 20 - 22 Vicar Street, County Kilkenny under the Kilkenny central access road scheme, which form part of the medieval complex of St. Canice's Cathedral, the specific heritage obligations that are necessary in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34093/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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An Bórd Pleanála approved this roads scheme in December 2011 under section 51 of the Roads Act 1993. Following an application by Kilkenny County Council, and in consultation with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland, I issued directions to the Council on 5 June 2012 under section 14A of the National Monuments Acts 1930 (as amended) for the carrying out of works of an archaeological nature relating to the scheme. As required by my directions, a detailed architectural survey of Nos. 20-22 Vicar Street has been undertaken which has revealed no upstanding medieval fabric within the structures. The directions also require demolition works at Nos. 20-22 Vicar Street to be carried out under archaeological supervision followed by archaeological test excavations at the site. The results of the test excavations will inform any further archaeological investigations that may be needed prior to the commencement of the construction of the scheme.