13 June 2006

Environment

Archaeological sites on Thornton Hall Lands

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide this Deputy with copies of any significant reports or correspondence that he has received outlining the archaeological value of the Thornton lands in north County Dublin that have been proposed for a new prison; and his Department’s involvement in the work.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche): My Department has granted licences for certain archaeological investigations at Thornton. Three licences for geophysical testing have been issued: to archaeologists working on behalf of a local group and to archaeologists working for the Irish Prison Service. One test excavation licence has also been granted to facilitate work to be undertaken on behalf of Irish Prison Service.

The reports on the geophysical testing have been received and are available for inspection at the offices of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2.