Repair works set to be carried out on historic Tipperary landmark in ‘coming months’
Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was responding to a question submitted by Tipperary South TD Seamus Healy
Repair works are set to be carried out on a historic landmark in County Tipperary in the “coming months”, a Minister of State has said.
Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was responding to a written parliamentary question submitted by Independent Tipperary South TD Seamus Healy.
Deputy Healy asked whether any refurbishment works had been carried out at the Rock of Cashel over the past two years.
In response, Minister Moran referenced a number of works that took place between 2016 and 2018.
He stated: “A significant project at the Rock of Cashel focusing on Cormac’s Chapel, its structure and wall paintings was completed almost a decade ago and the chapel re-opened to the public in 2018.
“These wall paintings form the earliest known decoration of its kind in Ireland and date from the mid-12th century.
“Ongoing monitoring is in place to ensure that the architectural surfaces and paintings remain in good condition.”
However, Minister Moran went on to say that no refurbishment works have taken place there over the past few years.
“During the years referenced in this PQ, there have been no significant refurbishment works undertaken at the Rock of Cashel.
“However, a general programme of maintenance has been carried out annually. This programme includes painting, general maintenance and grass-cutting.
“In 2025, in addition to this programme, some clearing back of vegetation and growth on rooftops was completed.
He added that there are repair works planned for the landmark in the near future.
“The Office of Public Works (OPW) intends to undertake repair works at the Rock of Cashel in the coming months which will focus mainly on the walltops and a boundary wall; subject to ministerial consent being granted.
“In addition, the OPW is currently developing a major conservation works project and upgrade of visitor experience for the Vicar’s Choral.
“This project is being planned by the OPW, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.”
In a separately submitted question, Deputy Healy also enquired as to whether any refurbishment works had been carried out at Cahir Castle in the same period.
In his response, Minister Moran outlined the history of the landmark and referenced works that took place over a decade ago.
“Cahir Castle is a thirteenth century castle built as a stronghold of the Butler family. It is a national monument in the ownership of the State since the early 1960s.
“A significant programme of works were undertaken at Cahir Castle which were completed in 2015.
“At that time and following a review of the electrical and related installations, the buildings were completely rewired to meet with ETCI regulations.
“Since this significant project was completed, there have been no further conservation works programmes completed at Cahir Castle.”
He added that a general programme of maintenance is carried out at the castle annually by the OPW.
This programme includes painting, cleaning, general maintenance and grass-cutting. Minister Moran also referenced a recent repair to the roof of the reception area of the castle.