James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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785. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to address the need for repairs at a medieval castle and graveyard (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9420/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I understand that the monument in question is included in the record of monuments and places under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1984. It is vested in the local authority which, accordingly, has responsibility for its repair and maintenance.

My Department has been in contact with representatives of the local authority and local community in relation to proposed works at the site. Both have been informed that, under section 12, a formal notification and detailed particulars of the works must be submitted to the Department in advance. I am advised that no such submission has yet been received. 

Financial assistance is provided by my Department for conservation works to heritage buildings under structures at risk fund and the built heritage investment scheme, which are operated through the local authorities. Both schemes have now closed for 2018 but it is open to the local authority to discuss the possibility of funding in the future with officials from my Department.