‘I’d say those who built Cairn T took less time to do so than the OPW has taken to assess it’
The public will have no access to the Cairn T passage and chamber at Loughcrew for the next number of seasons, the Dail heard last week.
The news was described as deeply disappointing by Deputy Johnny Guirke, who pointed out that the Cairn has been inaccessible to the public for over seven years, since October 2018.
In the Dail last week, Deputy Guirke had asked if a start date has been agreed for the commencement of remedial works on Cairn T and what was the plan and schedule for the re-opening of the Cairn T to the public.
This Neolithic monument, one of Ireland's most significant archaeological sites, is currently closed due to structural concerns identified in a condition survey.
Deputy Guirke said: “God almighty, I’d say those who built it took less time to do so than the OPW has taken to assess it. The lack of urgency from the Office of Public Works (OPW) is simply unacceptable. While the OPW diverts funds towards walls, bike shelters, and security huts, Cairn T remains a low priority. This is a glaring oversight.”
Deputy Guirke emphasised that the public should have access to this important part of our history, stating, “Cairn T is a National Monument in State care, and it’s time the government prioritises its reopening. If we continue down this path, they’ll leave it closed long enough for it to fall and be gone forever.”
In a written reply, The Office of Public Works (OPW) said it provided 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 OPW said the public will not have any access to the passage and chamber for the next number of seasons .
“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.”