James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on proposed additional funding to purchase the motte in Granard and bring it into public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13101/14]

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, Longford County Council and Granard Town Council regarding the options for this monument.