Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2023
106. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the State will purchase an estate (details supplied) in County Meath given its significant heritage value and tourism potential for the site as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brú na Bóinne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21971/23]
View answerThe State portfolio of heritage properties commands considerable resources in terms of both funding and personnel. Nevertheless, in the interests of ensuring the portfolio includes a representative sample of natural, built and archaeological heritage, my Department acquires certain additional heritage properties and monuments from time to time as resources and opportunities permit. These properties may come onto the open market, may be bequeathed to the State or may be offered to it free of cost.
The estate referred to by the Deputy is recognisably a significant and important heritage site, not only as part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Property and containing important Neolithic structures but is also an important 18th century designed demesne landscape, as well as being part of the Boyne and Blackwater Special Area of Conservation.
My Department is only ever in a position to make a very limited number of heritage acquisitions and, for commercial reasons, does not publicly disclose its interest in advance of any purchase negotiations.
