Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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467. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on the current situation regarding restoration works at Durrow Abbey, Tullamore, County Offaly; when repairs will commence; when Durrow Abbey will reopen to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Durrow Abbey, Co Offaly is located eight kilometres to the north of Tullamore on the N52 road to Kilbeggan.

Durrow Cross, Church, Graveslabs and Motte, located in the Durrow Demesne, are National Monuments (No. 313 and 678) in the care of the Office of Public Works. In addition, St. Columba's Church is a National Monument in State care and the Durrow High Cross is located within it. It is understood that St. Columba's Church is the structure to which the Deputy refers. The Church was closed in 2020 due to concerns with the building fabric and the safety of visitors. Investigations and surveys were commissioned in order to inform the necessary conservation and repair works.

It is intended that remedial works will be undertaken to the floor and pews of St. Columba's Church by the OPW District Works craft joinery team. As the planning and programming of this project continues, visitors can view the Durrow High Cross through a screen at the Church entrance doors. The OPW appreciates that this is not satisfactory for visitors, but it is a necessary temporary measure while work is ongoing to the interior of the church.

At this time, it is not possible to give an exact date for the completion of these works but the Deputy can be assured that it is a priority project in 2025 for the District Works Team.