). Monuments may be protected by taking them into state care or by scheduling them for protection. A licence is required to search for archaeological objects, or to carry out an excavation, and any archaeological object found must be reported. Historic Monuments have been protected by legislation since 1869. The current legislation is the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 (see Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website for details). Monuments may be protected by taking them into state care or by scheduling them for protection. A licence is required to search for archaeological objects, or to carry out an excavation, and any archaeological object found must be reported.
Scheduling protection is intended for features in private ownership, but not occupied buildings. These are monuments which need to be carefully managed to reduce erosion and prevent damage, and protected from further change, so that future generations can understand and enjoy them. There are currently some 1500 scheduled historic monuments and the scheduling programme is ongoing.
No works may be undertaken which may affect a scheduled monument without first obtaining Scheduled Monument Consent.
Request a Scheduled Monument Consent Application Form - hm@doeni.gov.uk