The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, maintenance, management and presentation of over 780 National Monuments and 32 National Historic Properties nationwide, including the high crosses at Monasterboice, County Louth.
The OPW’s statutory role is to protect monuments of exceptional national and international significance while facilitating appropriate public access. This requires a careful balance between conservation priorities and visitor management, informed by expert advice and best practice, rather than the creation of stand-alone or site-specific programmes.
In that context, the OPW already operates a comprehensive and ongoing programme of preservation and visitor management at Monasterboice. This is fully integrated into the day-to-day management of the site and reflects established conservation principles for exposed stone monuments.
At Monasterboice, this includes continuous condition monitoring of the high crosses by specialist staff, targeted stone conservation works, environmental and landscape management, and measures to manage visitor movement and behaviour in a manner that protects the monument while allowing public access. As an unguided site, particular emphasis is placed on minimising physical and environmental impacts on the fabric of the monument.
The OPW works closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on conservation policy and statutory matters relating to national monuments. It also engages, where appropriate, with tourism bodies such as Fáilte Ireland in the context of national tourism policy and the promotion of sustainable heritage tourism. Local authorities and community stakeholders are consulted as part of this integrated approach.
There are currently no plans to establish a separate or dedicated preservation and visitor-management programme for Monasterboice. The OPW considers that its existing integrated model is the most appropriate and effective means of safeguarding the high crosses, while ensuring that access arrangements are consistent with conservation requirements, public safety and sustainability.
The OPW will continue to monitor the condition of the monument and visitor activity at Monasterboice and will adapt management measures as necessary to ensure the long-term protection of this important site for future generations.
