Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding a request by Granard Town Council to match the 50% part-funding supplied by the council to purchase the Granard motte, which is a protected structure of cultural and historical significance to Granard and the surrounding area (details supplied). [6763/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Although in private ownership, 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. While the scope for acquiring ownership of such monuments is extremely limited in the prevailing budgetary circumstances, discussions are taking place between my Department and Granard Town Council regarding the options for this monument.