Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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256. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent vandalism of the Lia Fáil at Tara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8410/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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On the 7th of February, my office was notified of a graffiti incident to the Lia Fáil at Tara. The same day, an inspection involving representatives from the Office of Public Works - National Monuments Conservation Unit and the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage took place with An Garda Síochána in attendance.

Conservation specialists from the Office of Public Works undertook conservation and cleaning of the monument on the 8th of February.

Vandalism of this nature to our national heritage is entirely unacceptable. It should be noted that a campaign, launched in July 2021 by the OPW and the National Monuments Service, aimed to highlight the vulnerability of Ireland’s archaeological heritage and how the public may assist in its protection. This 'Protect our Past' social media campaign has run regularly since on OPW social media channels and is currently being promoted again in light of the vandalism to the Lia Fáil.

Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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257. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the purpose for which the old Garda station in Stoneyford will be used (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8804/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Garda station at Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny is an operational Garda Station.

The attached Garda residence is currently being assessed for alternative State use, in line with the OPW's policy on the disposal of property, which is to:

- firstly, identify any potential alternative State use;

- where an alternative State use is not identified, the property will be considered for disposal subject to prevailing market conditions, and

- where the options above are not feasible, the OPW will consider community use subject to a detailed written proposal from the group in terms of its capacity to repair, insure and maintain the property.

The residence at Stoneyford Garda station is being assessed for alternative State use as a potential longer-term project.