Granard Gardaí look into damage to town’s Motte

The Anglo-Norman fortifications was subjected to an apparent attempt to damage or steal material from the national monument.

Granard Gardaí told The Anglo Celt that a one metre wide hole was dug into the base of the mound of the Granard Motte at some point last week, that stones were removed, but there are no indications that anything was taken from the site.

Built on a hill overlooking the town in 1199 by Anglo-Norman Knight Richard Tuite the Granard Motte and Bailey is a protected site of national significance.

It is located at more than 152m above sea level.

The local community group have put together proposals to develop it as a heritage park and visitor centre.

Fr Simon Cadam is on the development committee for the venture and stated that the Gardaí have been informed. “The Guards were notified about it. They have been liaising with the Office of Public Works. They dealt with it straight away.”

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He told this newspaper that plans for the development of heritage park were well advanced.

“The development is going very well. We hope to have our visitors centre opened by the end of the year. We received planning permission for some works last week,” Fr Cadam said.

Local Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the act contact them at Granard Garda station on 043-6687660.