Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023

In short

This law, the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, is about protecting and managing historic and archaeological heritage in the State. It establishes rules for monuments and archaeological objects, including their discovery, ownership, and preservation.

What it regulates

• The establishment and maintenance of a Register of Monuments.
• The protection and management of registered monuments, including those owned or guarded by the Minister or local authorities.
• The ownership, reporting, and disposal of archaeological objects.
• Measures to implement the 1972 convention concerning the protection of world cultural and natural heritage.

Who it concerns

• The Minister (presumably the Minister responsible for heritage).
• Local authorities.
• Owners of land where monuments are located.
• Individuals who find archaeological objects or monuments.

Key points

• A Register of Monuments will be established.
• Finding a prescribed monument or an archaeological object must be reported.
• Special protection can be applied to certain registered monuments.
• The State owns archaeological objects with no known owner.