Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
444. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the redevelopment of a visitor’s centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the care, management and presentation of the State-owned National Monument at Clonmacnoise, County Offaly and its visitor centre.
The OPW is advancing a significant redevelopment of the visitor facilities at Clonmacnoise, supported through the EU Just Transition Fund, working in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Fáilte Ireland.
The project secured Ministerial Consent from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in May 2025. Detailed design development and interpretive planning is complete, encompassing exhibition design, interpretive content, audio-visual elements, accessibility improvements and sustainability measures.
The tender for the main contract was published on 29 September 2025. Tender returns are currently being assessed, and it is anticipated that a contract with the preferred main contractor will be awarded in February 2026, with works commencing on site later that month. The programme for completion of works is expected to be approximately 12 months.
The OPW recognises the outstanding cultural and historical significance of Clonmacnoise and remains fully committed to delivering enhanced visitor facilities that respect the integrity of the monument and provide a high-quality, accessible and engaging experience for visitors.
