Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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59. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on OPW project activities in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22099/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Clare Island Abbey MA085-013001- is a National Monument (No. 97) in state guardianship.

General maintenance of the abbey and graveyard is carried out on a monthly basis by OPW staff from the Dromahair depot, Co. Leitrim. This includes ongoing repair of the masonry fabric of the abbey exterior, localised repair of lime harling when required (full re-application approximately every 4-5 years); lead repair works due to water ingress; recent upgrade of the M&E installation – heating and lighting; repair of stonework where required due to the exposure of the site and storm damage.

The wall paintings are monitored by the operational staff on these visits. Full inspections are carried out by the architectural team biannually. Dromahair depot staff carry out the installation and monitoring of the UVC lights, H&S and erection and dismantling of the scaffold support system for the lights. These works are carried out for a number of weeks at a time and require regular inspection and monitoring due to the significance of the paintings.

The next phase of UVC light treatment on the MBG is to commence 09/05/2023 and heritage services OPW will inspect and monitor weekly.

Feasibility works are in train with the DHLGH to investigate works to the cell at the north end of the chancel regarding the limitation of liquid moisture penetration.

The Coast Guard Programme – Bellmullet/Ballyglass.

As advised previously new accommodation for the Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit is included as one of the key priorities on the Coast Guard programme and the identification of suitable sites is ongoing. The identification of options, and subsequent acquisition of a site, will be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and all options, including those identified by the Irish Coast Guard, will be assessed. Once a suitable site is procured, the project will progress to planning and construction stage.