Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
405. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a start date has been agreed for the commencement of remedial works on Cairn T, at the Loughcrew heritage site near Oldcastle, County Meath; the plan and schedule for the re-opening of Cairn T to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1778/24]
View answerThe megalithic passage tombs of Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery are an extraordinary part of our national heritage which are particularly vulnerable and require careful conservation and management. Unfortunately, in recent years there have been increases in reports of damage to archaeological monuments including at the Slieve na Caillaigh Loughcrew Cairns.
OPW held constructive meetings on site and conducted subsequent discussions with the National Monuments Service of the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to agree details of the continued structural supports that will be needed to safeguard Cairn T.
Detailed design proposals regarding safe access for OPW and consultants and contractors has recently been finalised by our conservation specialist Structural Engineer and will issue to the DHLGH for approval shortly. The temporary additional support of the interior of the Cairn will allow safe access to our architects, engineer and District Works in-house stone masons to understand the structural concerns and define the scope and agreed approach which will be required to progress these remedial works. Access for our own team is not possible until this is completed.
The public will be unable to access Cairn T until subsequent works are designed and completed and as assessment carried out at that time as to the short, medium and long term position is regarding protection of the monument.
We cannot determine how long this will take until the design is completed and goes through the process of archaeological assessment with DHLGH Archaeologists, which, due to the sensitivity of the site and the fragility of this Monument, may result in further revisions and/or modifications.
