Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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405. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which a full examination has been undertaken into the improvements required at Taghadoe Abbey and Round Tower; when remedial works can commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16590/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has concerns about the structural stability of Taghadoe church which is adjacent to the round tower. The church is a relatively modern building built by the Board of First Fruits c. 1830. The OPW engaged a firm of conservation architects to complete an architectural and structural appraisal of the condition of the church and round tower with a view to developing a future works programme for the site. The commission also includes the production and installation of information panels at the site.

The round tower is the earliest surviving structure on the site and was part of the early Christian Monastery founded here in the 8th Century. The round tower is in reasonable condition and has no visible cracks or movement joints on the external surface. The flaunching (mortar) on the top of the tower and the interior and exterior walls were to be inspected as part of the project but it is not anticipated that any significant structural issues with the tower will be discovered.

The architectural assessment and condition report is currently being finalised and will shortly be available at which time the OPW will be in a position to determine what remedial works will be required to stabilise the building.