Protecting our Heritage and Cross-Compliance

Standing stones, cairns, raths and cashels are some examples of the unique and irreplaceable heritage features that are part of our countryside. Under Cross-Compliance it is a requirement that they are retained and not damaged.

The area around the feature should be protected from practices such as trampling by livestock and should be regularly checked for signs of damage.  Workers / contractors on the farm should be made aware of these features to ensure they are not damaged by mistake.  

Payments are available for Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme participants with an ancient monument on their farm.  Approximately 540 ha of ancient monuments are under CMS or ESA agreement and these areas are positively managed to ensure they are kept in good condition.   

Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) have particular responsibility for the protection and management of scheduled monuments.  Scheduling is the process through which nationally important sites and monuments are given legal protection by being placed on a list, or 'schedule'.  The owner is legally responsible for a scheduled monument and through the advice and support of EHS should maintain it in good condition for future generations.

Mr. John Payne and his daughter Mrs. Liz Porter live outside Desertmartin and are participants in CMS since December 2002.  Paynes have farmed the land at Coolsaragh, since the mid 1700s.   The townland Coolsaragh or Coolsara means ‘The hill back of Sara’ or ‘The plunderers’ nook’.  Located in Coolsaragh, sitting 313 feet on Drumbally Hill, also known as the “hill back of slaughter” is Drumbally fort.  This rath is a notable landmark for miles around.  

This counterscarp scheduled rath is located on the south of the Coolsaragh Parish, boundary of Desertmartin Parish and South of Killytorey.  It is located on a steep conical hill with panoramic views all around. Grass cover is maintained within the interior, 45m in diameter by strictly controlled grazing. A ditch encircles this well preserved rath and the entrance has clearly defined causeway.  Payment is provided through CMS for the protection and maintenance of this site.  A protected area of five metres outside the outer edge of enclosing field banks ensures no farming practices damage this rath.

For further information on any aspect of Cross-Compliance or Archaeological Features, contact your Countryside Management Branch staff at your local DARD office.