Heritage Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Questions (538)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

538. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he can indicate the OPW conservational management plans that are in place for remedial works on Cairn T at the Loughcrew Cairns National Heritage site Neolithic passage tombs near Oldcastle, County Meath, which is currently held up with industrial props and closed to the public since 2018 ; the schedule for these remedial works in order to re-open this important site to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38342/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

OPW has had constructive meetings on site with the National Monuments Service, D/Housing, Local Government and Heritage to agree details of the continued structural supports that will be needed to safeguard Cairn T. OPW’s Structural engineers are finalising detailed plans regarding permanent structural support work to replace the temporary prop currently in situ. It is expected this work will commence before the end of the year. A CMP for the site is being commissioned as part of the long term preservation of this site.