Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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321. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will direct the OPW to extend the opening hours at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery’ Sligo (details supplied). [32196/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Carrowmore is one of Ireland’s most important prehistoric sites, representing the largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in the country. As part of the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo, it holds a prominent place on Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status. The OPW remains fully committed to the protection, enhancement, and presentation of this exceptional site.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is currently closed to facilitate essential conservation works and visitor facility upgrades, which include new interpretive installations to enrich the visitor experience and improved accessibility and safety enhancements across the site. Works are progressing as planned, with reopening anticipated in July 2025 once all necessary improvements are completed.

These works are being delivered under the Strategic Partnership between Fáilte Ireland, the OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This partnership was specifically created to transform Ireland's most iconic heritage attractions into world-class visitor experiences that boost tourism numbers both at the sites themselves and in their surrounding regions.

Ahead of the 2026 season, the OPW will review opening hours as part of its annual planning process, taking into account operational requirements and public demand. The OPW remains committed to balancing public access with the responsible conservation of this nationally significant heritage site, ensuring its preservation for future generations.