Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

313. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of a ringfort in Cork (details supplied), which is the largest ringfort in Munster and is designated as a national monument; if maintenance and a clean-up can be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

While the ringfort in question is a recorded monument in private ownership and subject to a preservation order, the owners may make an application for funding under the Community Monuments Fund grant scheme of the National Monuments Service of my Department. The Community Monuments Fund was established in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage. This funding is prioritised for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) and archaeological monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record which is compiled by the National Monuments Service of my Department.

Applications can be made by local authorities for works to monuments in public ownership where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated and projects proposed by a local authority on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of monuments. Total funding available nationally for projects under the Community Monuments Fund 2023 is €6 million. While the closing date for applications for the 2023 fund has recently passed, I hope to announce a similar fund for 2024.