Office of Public Works

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Questions (343)

Albert Dolan

Question:

343. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a detailed and definitive update on the long-delayed Turoe Stone project in Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway; the current status of the Office of Public Works review of the detailed design; whether that review has now been completed; if ministerial consent has been sought; and, if not, the reasons for the delay; the specific outstanding actions preventing the project from proceeding to tender; the target dates for obtaining all necessary approvals, commencing the tender process and beginning construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68668/26]

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Written answers

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

The Office of Public Works has concluded its process of detailed design in respect of a scheme to relocate the Turoe stone and present it to the public.

However, at the direction of the National Monuments Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, there is currently a review underway to examine all possible options for the presentation of the Turoe Stone to the public.

It is necessary to ensure that the return of the Stone to the Turoe Farm location is the optimum place for it to be displayed into the future. The D/HLGH, is engaging with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland in this regard.