Kildare TD calls for more support to prevent damage to heritage sites in the county following vandalism at the Hill of Allen

By Kim O'Leary

Fiona O’Loughlin, TD for Kildare South, is calling on Kildare County Council to consider ways of preventing anti-social behaviour and vandalism in historical sites around the county.

Deputy O’Loughlin’s calls have come from a constituent calling her in relation to recent vandalism at the Tower at the Hill of Allen.

Speaking on this issue, Deputy O’Loughlin said: “The Tower at the Hill of Allen is a wonderful amenity for tourism to Kildare and it is not utilised enough. More should be done to provide a car park that is maintained and to ensure that vandalism alike what just happened does not happen again”.

She added:“I have often driven out to visit the Tower and have had to walk dangerously around sharp corners after parking at a safe location because the car park is blocked off. This is not encouraging people to visit the site or improving the cultural heritage of Kildare. "

The volcanic hill situated was reputed to be the seat of the warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna but is currently the location of a quarry.

Deputy O'Loughlin has confirmed that she has made contact with the office of public works and Kildare County Council in relation to the vandalism of the Tower at the Hill of Allen in the hope that repair work on the Tower will commence soon.