Written answers

Monday, 9 September 2024

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

National Monuments

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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406.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there will be opportunities for fourth year apprentices to work on the restoration of the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34145/24]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The OPW is committed to providing apprenticeships across a wide range of skills including offering apprenticeships in stone cutting and stone masonry, in carpentry and joinery, in wood manufacturing and finishing, in painting and decorating, in arboriculture and as a civil engineering technician, a commis chef or a metal fabrication and construction plant fitter.

The main contractor for the restoration of the Magazine Fort is Kelbuild. I am pleased to confirm that there are apprentices working on lime plaster rendering which is being carried out as part of the project.

However, not all types of construction works have opportunities for apprenticeship training. Due to the sensitive nature of the restoration and conservation repair works at the Magazine Fort most of the works are not suitable for apprentices due to the level of specialised skill required.

The Magazine Fort project is providing junior craftspersons, post apprenticeship, the opportunity to work alongside senior experienced craftspersons in developing further their heritage craft skills, particularly in masonry repairs and lime re-pointing.

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