Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I reassure the Deputy that these sites are of critical importance and that work is ongoing. Because of the complexity of the matter and the need for due diligence, we do need the Ministers for Transport, Public Expenditure and Reform and Housing, Local Government and Heritage to sign off on this. Once the due diligence exercises are completed, the final business transfer agreements can be signed and all the necessary consents by the Ministers can proceed.

This is an extremely important transfer and everything is being done to ensure its success. There is a huge amount of engagement at Government level. It is a positive that all of Government is looking at the maintenance. The OPW's involvement is critical. It has expertise in conservation of historic heritage sites. We are working and engaging at every level to protect the staff as well. There are many different factors involved. I reassure the Deputy of the critical importance of these sites for the mid-west region. Work is happening on that at Shannon Group level and all Departments are also engaging.

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