Public access to Cairns Hill Neolithic monument mooted

EARLY moves that may lead to public access to the Neolithic monument above the Fox’s Den on Cairns Hill have been made.

Cllr Declan Bree has started the process by way of a motion to Sligo County Council calling on the council to seek a meeting with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works to invesigate the possibility of developing public access.

He explained how in 2021 an area of 23.5 acres on Cairns Hill on which the Neolothic monument is located was advertised for sale. However, the bid, which was submitted by the Office of Public Works and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, unfortunately was submitted too late and the lands in question were sold to a private individual.

He explained that the reason he had tabled the motion is because some of the said lands have again been advertised for sale.

“Given the significant importance of the archaeological site and its strong association with local mythology I believe that the Council should continue to work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Office of Public Works with a view to investigating the possibility of developing public access to the Cairn.

“The Carraroe and District Regeneration Association has been campaigning in recent years to have a structured walk provided and the association remains committed to this objective.”

The Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage has acknowledged that Sligo’s numerous passage tombs are a remarkable asset and taking into consideration the fact that the ‘Passage Tombs of Sligo’ have been placed on Ireland’s tentative list of potential world heritage Sites, I feel we should work with the Minister’s Department and the Office of Public Works in the hope that a mechanism can be found that will allow public access to the monument.”

The motion was agreed.