asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that one of the finest national monuments is situated in Clonmacnoise, County Offaly; if proposals are before the Office of Public Works for its improvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly National Monument.
26.
I am fully cognisant of the fact that the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise is widely recognised as one of the outstanding national monuments in State care. After the transfer of the site to the Commissioners of Public Works was completed in 1955, a large scale scheme of conservation and repair work was undertaken and today Clonmacnoise is an open-air museum of one of the greatest periods of Christian art in Ireland where visitors can view the high crosses, monastic buildings and a display of decorated grave slabs in a setting worthy of their importance and beauty. Apart from maintenance, no further treatment of the site is at present contemplated but the provision of facilities for visitors is under discussion between the Commissioners of Public Works, the Offaly County Council and Bord Fáilte Éireann.