Tipperary TD calls for greater protection for area around the world famous Rock of Cashel

Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has spoken of the importance of ensuring that the highest possible protections are applied to the lands in the vicinity of the Rock of Cashel to ensure any future developments do not adversely affect the Rock itself, but also anything of historical significance either above or below ground in its vicinity.

Deputy Browne spoke on the matter as amendments to the Historical and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 were discussed in the Dáil.

The purpose of the Bill is to protect and conserve our historic heritage, and to facilitate actions included in the National Heritage plan.

Deputy Browne said that there was a need to leave nothing to chance in protect the immediate environs surrounding the Rock.

“What we see when we look at the Rock of Cashel is only part of the estate. The lands adjacent to it are an important feature of the overall archaeological complex built with the rock.

“It is not just composed of features above the ground but also of the archaeological resources believed to exist underneath these lands.

“That is an important factor to note when we are interested in developing adjacent to our heritage sites," he said.

Deputy Browne said that he favoured measures that sought to enshrine in legislation the protections against developments that may cause damage to historical monuments whether the sites were partly seen or unseen.

He said that there was a need to ensure that a provision of the Bill which has this purpose was as strong as can be.

“When a Bill of this nature is presented, it is important that we leave nothing to chance in our efforts to protect what is important to us. The Rock is one such treasure," he said.