Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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245. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the schedule of works for the OPW renovation works at the Round Tower, Kells, County Meath; the estimated cost of this work; the breakdown of same; the costs incurred to date on this project; the breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41227/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Kells Round Tower, National Monument, Number 158 is in the ownership of the Office of Public Works.

It was erected in the 10th century and stands 26 m (85 ft) high. The doorway originally stood about 3.6 m (12 ft) above ground level and was reached by wooden steps or a ladder.

To carry out necessary repointing works to the Tower a scaffold was erected in February 2024 and conservation works commenced at that time. Given the location of the Tower, and its proximity to the footpath and graveyard, for health and safety reasons it was necessary to have fully-boarded scaffolding including a pedestrian walkway/gantry, access stairs, vehicular access, crash desk and public lighting. The estimated timescale for completion of the conservation works is 2 years.

The costs incurred to date on this project stand at €368,443. This figure includes the cost of necessary surveys, materials, services, compound costs, Civil and Structural Engineering and the cost of scaffolding for the project. Remaining ongoing costs will include the necessary scaffolding safety checks throughout the duration of the project and the monthly rental of the compound space.

The conservation works to repair the tower are being undertaken by OPW's direct labour force of skilled craftworkers in the Trim District.