Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

115. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will make the scope of works being carried out on a monument (details supplied) in County Kerry available to the public; if all future works to monuments will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37821/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The works currently being undertaken by the Office of Public Works at St. Brendan’s Oratory, Kilmakedar site are designed to address structural instability in the Monument and a partial collapse in the front wall and a gable wall of the building. The intention of the works is to ensure that these structures do not suffer further collapse and irreversible damage.

The project involved the insertion on a temporary basis of heavy structural timber supports within the building to maintain the integrity of its shape and prevent further collapse and loss of fabric. At this stage, the core reconstruction/stabilisation work is practically complete and all that remains to be done is to remove scaffolding and make good the site. This will be carried out over the next few months as weather conditions and resources allow.

Projects of this type are initiated in response to a significant threat to a Monument and constitute a normal maintenance activity for the Office of Public Works National Monuments staff. There is no requirement for the Office of Public Works to publish details of such works. However, the execution of all such works must be given Consent by the Minister for the Department of Arts Heritage Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department is consulted fully in relation to any such proposals.