Office of Public Works

Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Ceisteanna (344)

John Paul O'Shea

Ceist:

344. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his department will consider providing amenities such as public lighting, picnic tables, information signage and QR codes to link to history at Ratoo Round Tower, Ballybuff, County Kerry; if he will provide a list of works carried out on the tower to date; if there are further works to be completed; if so, the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34118/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

The Office of Public Works is continuing a programme of internal repair work at Rattoo Round Tower, National Monument Number 55. This work will continue throughout the rest of this year. Visitors will continue to be able to access the external areas to view this early ecclesiastical settlement site during this period. The works on the Tower involve the re-grouting and repointing of stonework and lime washing internally. An internal platform to facilitate height access for essential repairs in the future has also been carefully installed by the OPW Killarney National Monuments works team.

The OPW intends to provide new interpretation at the site however, there are no plans presently to provide other amenities such as picnic tables, seating or public lighting in this location. Such interventions would not be in-keeping with the historic fabric and setting of the site.