Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Office of Public Works is planning to move the Turoe Stone from Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway to Dublin and replace it with a replica; if his attention has been drawn to the local opposition to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26421/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The condition of the Turoe stone, which was moved to its present location in 1854, has been a matter of concern for a number of years. A report in 1996 found that the stone was undergoing adverse weathering. A further report undertaken in May 2005 found that the condition of the stone had worsened since 1996 with a reduction in the clarity of the carved detail.

In response, and to provide better for the conservation of the monument, OPW intends to cover the stone for the winter to protect it from severe frost and harmful organic growth. In addition, my Department is consulting with the OPW and the National Museum of Ireland on long-term measures, including the possibility of moving the stone to an indoor location, which may be necessary to prevent further deterioration of the stone.