Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Gabhaim buíochas to everyone from the OPW for being here. If we reflect on the last few years the OPW has gone through a turbulent period. It has been before the committee on multiple occasions where a lot of these issues have been brought to light and highlighted. It is important to reflect a lot of the great work the OPW does across my constituency. Part of its HQ is in Headford. Great work was done recently to Athenry Castle. Massive investment has gone into Portumna Castle. A lot of these venues that are operated day in and day out throughout the year provide a fantastic amenity and add hugely to our tourism offering. During the summer the New Zealand ambassador visited my constituency and we brought him to Athenry Castle, where we got a thorough tour. The depth of knowledge of the OPW staff on site was fantastic, so I want to start by complimenting the officials for all the good work that happens. The most recent example of where the OPW stepped up as the representative body of the State was the inauguration of our President at Dublin Castle. I commend the officials on the work that went into making that happen.

I will move to a couple of local issues. I have been banging on the door of the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, about a very local issue to my constituency. It has been going on for years now, but it means a lot to the people of Bullaun. It is the Turoe Stone, which is an Ogham writing stone that was there for thousands of years. The problem is that the stone has been in storage in Athenry for the last number of years. A project was proposed and has planning permission. I raised multiple parliamentary questions on it. I just want to find out where that project is at and whether there is a plan in place to make it happen.