Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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39. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress of the archaeological investigation into lands near Annaghdown Priory, County Galway, which it is hoped may be used for the expansion of Annaghdown Cemetery which is at capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32190/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Following previous unsuccessful efforts to identify a suitable location for an extension of the existing graveyard that would not have unacceptable archaeological implications, a representative of the local graveyard committee approached my Department earlier this year about the possibility of developing a different site for the graveyard extension. My Department subsequently gave the committee approval under the National Monuments Acts for the archaeological investigations needed to allow this proposal to be properly assessed.

My Department has met with the graveyard committee and local public representatives in the meantime to further discuss the range of the test trenching required to establish the extent of any archaeology that might be present on the current site. Arising from that meeting, an amended and reduced trenching framework was conveyed to the committee by my Department in early August, along with advice on the most efficient approach to be taken with the work so as to minimise the associated cost for the committee.

My Department is now awaiting the results of these investigations. I am conscious that an early solution is required and my Department will continue to work positively with the committee with a view to facilitating a satisfactory outcome.