Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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84. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he proposes to begin construction of the new protective structure to accommodate the Turoe Stone at Turoe, Bullaun, Loughrea, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39287/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The detail design for the new enclosure for the Turoe Stone is being finalised at this time, under the direction of the OPW conservation architects. Once tender documents are completed, and pending consents granted, a suitably qualified company will be awarded the tender to build the new enclosure for the Turoe Stone, together with associated landscaping works. It is envisaged that the Turoe Stone will be returned to the site where the new enclosure will be constructed to protect it, subject to permission from the National Museum of Ireland and the DHGLH National Monuments Service.

It is anticipated that the OPW will apply for Ministerial Consent by the end of November 2024 and complete the tender documents by year end. It is hoped that tenders for the project will issue by the end of Quarter 1 2025 and works will commence on site at the end of Quarter 2 2025. Allowing for all statutory and legal obligations to be met, including consents, the project could be completed by end of 2025, weather permitting.