Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and Senator Seery Kearney for raising this important issue about the cromlech in the Phoenix Park. I acknowledge the work of Chapelizod historical society and it is a project that Senator Seery Kearney has been with from the start. To give context, the cromlech has many names. It is called the Knockmaree or Knockmary dolmen or cist, the Knockmaree Linkardstown grave or simply the Linkardstown tomb. It is, as the Senator said, around 5,000 years old. The capstone measures around 2 m in length and 1 m in width and is supported by four slabs. It has a modern concrete pillar for stability. The underground chamber has a floor of compacted clay.

The cromlech was discovered in 1838 by workmen who were employed by the then commissioners of woods and forests to remove an ancient tumulus. When discovered, there were two almost complete male skeletons in the crouched position found inside the chamber. The artifacts found in the burial, which include a flint knife and a shell necklace, can now be found in the National Museum of Ireland. It is located close to the Chapelizod pedestrian entrance of the Phoenix Park. The Commissioners of Public Works, through their management of the Phoenix Park, also take care of the recorded monuments within. The Office of Public Works is committed to the repair and protection of the historically important cromlech. The cromlech is protected by the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 and is a recorded monument RMP DU18 - 007011. Unfortunately, the cromlech has been damaged a number of times over the course of its history. There are photographs from the 1970s that show the cromlech in pieces on the ground. It was extensively repaired with dowels at this time.

As the Senator stated, the Office of Public Works met the community at an event held by the Chapelizod historical society at the cromlech itself in the Phoenix Park. This focused on the required repair works to address the most immediate damage and making future plans for the protection of such an important site.The OPW, with the National Monuments Service, intends to make the necessary repairs to the current damage to the cromlech capstone. There is a set process to ensure the works are carried out appropriately. First, the OPW submitted a ministerial notification to the Department of Housing and Local Government earlier this month. This is a standard requirement for all recorded monuments. A two-month notification period is required in advance of any proposed works. Where the Department has any queries or requires further information, this will be provided. However, if there are no requests for further information from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, then the Office of Public Works intends to complete these works by October 2024. We have to go through a process with the application to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. A ministerial notification must go to that Department for all recorded monuments and a two-month notification period is required in advance of any proposed work. We are in normal dialogue with that Department. Once we get that notification, we will be looking to proceed with these works - I am talking about July, August or September over the next four months.

The Phoenix Park guide service is also currently working on interpretive signage for the site and it is envisaged that we will have a sign in place by October 2024. This signage will alert visitors to the history and importance of the cromlech. As outlined earlier, I reiterate that my officials and I recognise the historic importance that the cromlech holds for the park, the surrounding area and indeed the city. We are committed to ensuring that these repairs are undertaken and that the cromlech is protected for future generations.

Finally, to address an important point brought up by the Chapelizod historical society and community, the OPW, as caretaker of this site, feels that a surrounding fence would not be appropriate. In general, monuments throughout Ireland have been placed in their natural locations and fencing would disrupt the public enjoyment and understanding of this monument. However, we will continue to look at ways to protect and preserve the monument. The process is under way and once we have the ministerial notification from the Department, we will proceed. We hope to have the works completed in October. The fencing and protection of the site itself has been discussed. As a rule, the OPW wants to retain natural habitat and environment. Those are the latest updates and I wait to hear the Senator's observations.