Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
430. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of land being made available for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35106/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they were contacted in August 2023 by the parish priest of the Church of the Assumption to discuss the acquisition of land in order to extend the grounds of the cemetery at the church.
While the OPW is agreeable in principle to this request, the Heath is a commonage with local graziers having unlimited access to the unenclosed lands of the Heath for grazing and exercising their sheep, including the area that the church wishes to acquire.
As the disposal of any lands on the Heath could affect those with grazing rights, the OPW sought the views of the graziers to the proposed disposal of land for the church. The OPW received notification in March 2024 from the legal representative of the graziers that there was no objection to the proposed disposal to facilitate the extension of the cemetery.
As the OPW manage the Heath on behalf of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, approval to proceed with the disposal of this area of land is currently under consideration by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform,
Subject to the necessary approval being received, the OPW will proceed with the necessary conveyance through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office and the legal representatives of the Church of the Assumption.
The management of the graveyard following successful completion of the land transfer will solely be a matter for the Church of the Assumption.
