Written answers

Thursday, 19 November 2015

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

National Monuments

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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16. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of his Department's effort to address an issue of significant heritage concern (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39264/15]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Kells High Crosses are significant historical artefacts and, as such, are protected under National Monument legislation. There has been a concern in recent years about the deteriorating condition of the Crosses and, as the Deputy mentions, there is evidence of some accelerated weather and environmental erosion on some of the panels of the West and South Crosses in particular. Understanding that there was a clear risk to the Monuments, the Office of Public Works carried out a detailed technical study of the Crosses during 2014 and presented the lead Department involved, the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with a full assessment of the issues involved together with some options for them to consider. Following a full assessment of this report, the Department has recently instructed the Office of Public Works to pursue the option of in situenclosure of the West and South Crosses within structures that will provide the necessary environmental protection for the future. Additionally, as a first step, the OPW is instructed to complete a detailed 3D laser scan of the structures to establish their current condition and point to weaknesses in the fabric. This work is under way currently. The proposed erection of an environmental shelter for the Crosses will be, in itself, a complex and challenging undertaking. There are a number of international comparators for a project such as this. The OPW is evaluating the options available and consulting with relevant authorities who have undertaken similar works elsewhere before deciding how best to proceed. Once a viable plan has been devised, the project will proceed under the joint management of the OPW and DAHG.

In the short term, and to protect the Crosses from the worst of the Winter weather, the OPW is considering the provision of a temporary cover for the crosses.

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