Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
311. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a start date has been agreed for the commencement of remedial works on Cairn T at the Loughcrew heritage site near Oldcastle, County Meath; if he can confirm the plan and schedule for the re-opening of Cairn T to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3185/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, also known as Slieve na Cailliaghe “the Hills of the Witch” are a group of Neolithic passage tombs near Oldcastle in County Meath. There are about thirty passage graves across this megalithic landscape, in varying states of preservation. The Office of Public Works (OPW) provides a seasonal guide service during the months of May to September to engage with visitors and give tours of the cairns. Loughcrew is attended to by the OPW Trim District Works team on a regular basis, who carry out routine conservation and maintenance as necessary.
Cairn T is one of the largest tombs in the complex and is a National Monument in State care. The cairn has been closed to the public since October 2018 arising from a condition survey at that time which identified some structural concerns which informed the OPW decision to restrict public access to the cairn to protect the Monument and ensure visitor health and safety.
The OPW initially installed an 'acrow' prop in order to secure the roof of Cairn T. This remained in place until mid-2024, when it was replaced with a new support solution, improving visibility into the Cairn and allowing better views to the chamber. This new propping also allows for safe access for technical specialists to examine the cairn.
The stone conservation issues of the tomb itself, the Neolithic art, the condition of the mound and entrance to the tomb require further detailed examination by engineering specialists. The construction phase of any repair projects will depend on the repairs proposed, taking into account the considerable archaeological constraints in place.
The public will not have any access to the passage and chamber for the next number of seasons as the OPW undertakes this phase of technical examinations and the conservation works arising.
The OPW is committed to fully reopening Cairn T to the public and to conserving and protecting this significant monument, while ensuring that future public access is safe and sustainable. Future guided access to Cairn T will also be examined as part of a Conservation Management Plan for the entire site at Loughcrew, which is currently being developed.
