Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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148. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the OPW has to protect and preserve the High Crosses at Monasterboice, County Louth; the quantum of resources the OPW has allocated for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22367/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As it pertains to the High Crosses at Monasterboice, the role of the Office of Public Works is one of conservation and preservation as these National Monuments are in the ownership of the State. It is worth noting that all cut stone located outdoors without shelter is exposed to the elements and is gradually weathering over time.

To protect the High Crosses of Monasterboice, Office of Public Works staff undertook repair works to grave kerbings and relocated headstones of graves adjacent to Muiredach’s Cross, as they were deemed to present a risk to the cross should they fall over. The large yew tree growing in close proximity to the cross was assessed by an arborist and was cut back substantially. This work greatly improved the immediate environment around the cross and minimised algal growth.

In 2009 and 2019, the Office of Public Works commissioned assessments of Muiredach’s Cross. A Specialist Stone Conservator examined the Cross in detail on both occasions and reported that it remained in a very stable condition.

There are no further specific plans in place for the immediate future. However, I would like to assure the Deputy that the Crosses are regularly assessed and the Office of Public Works continues to undertake it’s statutory obligations in relation to them.