Consultation launched on future of historic Fingal site

FINGAL County Council is seeking the public’s views in relation to the Draft Conservation and Management Plan for the Drumanagh promontory fort, located on the coast between Rush and Loughshinny. 

The public consultation process was launched last week at the historic site, which was previously in private ownership before Fingal County Council purchased it in 2016.

Drumanagh is a nationally important archaeological site and is of international significance in terms of Ireland’s relationship with the Roman world. The 46 acre site is also a National Monument subject to statutory protection. 

The Draft Plan proposes policies and objectives for the protection and management of Drumanagh.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley, said: “On visiting this beautiful site today I can see the potential for not just archaeological research and education, but also the tourism and recreational opportunities.”

 Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council, said Drumanagh was of huge value to Fingal but also has wider significance.

“Council staff from across a number of departments are working on the site’s ongoing protection, conservation and management so as to realise its full potential and ensure that the site can be appreciated by future generations,” Mr Reid stated.

Senior Parks Superintendent, Kevin Halpenny, commented: “This site is not only a very significant National Monument, it will also become a major new open space for Fingal and form part of the Fingal Coastal Way used by locals and visitors to Fingal alike.”

 Christine Baker, Community Archaeologist, said the conservation plan will help the council balance all the various uses of the site with the need to protect it for future generations.

Since the site was acquired, the council has undertaken works at Drumanagh to secure it and provide for continued public access. However, there have been several occasions when damage has been caused due to unauthorised motorcycling activity.

This council is treating this matter extremely seriously and is working closely with the local Crime Prevention Officer of An Garda Siochána. The local authority has called for engagement with those involved in motorbike scrambling with a view to resolving the issue.

Fingal County Council is now seeking the views of organisations and individuals with an interest in Drumanagh in relation to the Draft Conservation and Management Plan. 

 Submissions can be made online at consult.fingal.ie until March 5. A public information ‘drop-in’ session will also be held on Wednesday, February 28 in Rush Community Centre, Upper Main Street, Rush, from 4pm to 8pm. Council staff will be available to answer questions and take feedback in relation to the Draft Conservation and Management Plan.

A copy of the plan is available at council offices and local libraries during the consultation period.