National Gallery

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Questions (412)

Mark Ward

Question:

412. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the purpose of the new netting on parts of the roof of the National Gallery; the cost of the netting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6001/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) own the National Gallery of Ireland building and the OPW oversees the maintenance and conservation of the building.

There is an ongoing issue with birds fouling the large central roof area of the National Gallery. This is a significant challenge for the OPW in terms of the ongoing cleaning required and the impact this is having on roof rainwater drains.

The National Gallery of Ireland requested the OPW to provide some form of bird deterrent in order to mitigate this issue. The OPW carried out an assessment of options and has now engaged a contractor to provide and install new netting on sections of the roof at the Gallery. The installation is ongoing and is expected to be completed shortly. A final cost cannot be provided until the final account is agreed and completed.