Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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349. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Turoe stone will be returned to its original location in Turoe, County Galway; when the associated site works at this location are expected to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15667/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Planning Permission for a new enclosure for the Turoe Stone, National Monument number 327, was granted by Galway County Council (Reference Number 22/580), on the 28th June 2022 which included the proposed development of the new pavilion structure to house the conserved Turoe Stone at Bullaun, Loughrea.

In the coming weeks, the OPW will apply for Ministerial Consent for the proposed scheme and will seek permission from the National Museum of Ireland to return the Turoe stone to its original setting. Pending these approvals, it is intended to go to tender in the summer of this year to engage a suitably qualified company to build the new enclosure.

The OPW envisages that works will commence in Quarter 4, 2025, dependant on all statutory and legal obligations being met, including consents.

Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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350. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on the works at the national monument of Ballymoon Castle, Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15744/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Ballymoon Castle, Co Carlow, National Monument 486 is in State Ownership and the OPW has responsibility for its conservation and maintenance.

The OPW employs a direct-labour workforce of specialist stone masons, craft joiners, plasterers, painters and general operatives who are responsible for the maintenance of the monuments portfolio.

Ballymoon Castle is under the remit of the Kilkenny National Monuments Depot who carry out inspections, standard maintenance such as grass cutting and weed control there during the year. The OPW has no plans for any larger scale works at Ballymoon Castle this year.