The Turoe Stone had been located on a site adjacent to the Turoe Pet Farm enterprise and, though the artefact was not itself owned by the proprietors, it was placed on their lands and they exercised, in cooperation with the Office of Public Works, a significant positive role in its care and custodianship. It was located unprotected on a tiny piece of ground not much bigger than the stone itself.
Following discussions with the National Museum and the then Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the stone was removed and placed in storage by the Office of Public Works for its protection. At that time, a commitment was given, following conservation treatment, that the stone would be returned to a bigger site, and a new enclosure constructed for the stone.
As part of the process it was necessary to ensure that the land upon which the Stone will sit was transferred to the State, this transfer is now concluded and the land in now in the ownership of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The OPW is currently reviewing the detailed design for the display and protection of the Stone to ensure that it is in-keeping with the parameters set out in the original scope for the project. Once this review is complete it is planned to seek Ministerial Consent for the works. Thereafter, the project can proceed to tender.
It is not possible to give an exact timeline for this process but this project is a priority for the OPW in 2026 and a team is actively working on it.
