Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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57. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reasons for the long stoppage in works on the Round Tower, at Kells Monastic Site, Kells, County Meath; the current cost of the project; the costs incurred during the stoppage of works; the projected final timeline and cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Kells Round Tower, Co. Meath is a National Monument, Number 158 in State care. It has experienced significant mortar loss and stone erosion over the centuries. Ministerial Consent for the conservation repairs was granted in September 2023 with works commencing following completion of the scaffolding in February 2024.

The conservation works are being undertaken by the skilled craft workers in the Trim National Monuments District. The estimated timescale for completion of the repair works is approximately two years.

It was necessary to pause works on site as a result of storm damage to the scaffolding wrap which occurred during Storm Éowyn. Repairs to the wrap are currently being undertaken by the scaffolding contractor.

While it was necessary to pause conservation works to the tower arising from the health and safety challenges with damage to the scaffold, the project is continuing with stone masons working offsite cutting and dressing the required stone for the tower.

The cost to date for the project is €402,747.84. This figure includes the cost of necessary surveys, materials, compound costs, Civil and Structural Engineering and the cost of scaffolding for the project. The scaffolding itself has been purchased and will be used for other projects when Kells Round Tower works are completed.