Latest news with #Kevin'Boxer'Moran
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Plans to open historic buildings as Easter Rising visitor centre may take years
Plans to open a number of historic buildings in the capital as a visitor centre commemorating the Easter Rising may still take several years. Junior Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran has informed the Dáil that while the project is a priority for his Government, it wasn't yet possible to say when it would be open to the public. The buildings at 14-17 Moore Street have been at the centre of a major campaign to preserve them due to their historical significance to the 1916 Rising. The buildings were the headquarters of the Provisional Irish Government, and it is where a number of signatories of the Irish proclamation, including James Connolly and Patrick Pearse, surrendered from. The Government previously decided to accept the recommendations of the Moore Street Advisory Group to move ahead with a project to conserve the buildings and open it as a visitor site. However, Minister Moran admitted it was still too early to say when that would happen. Kevin "Boxer" Moran Under questioning from Sinn Féin TD, Aengus O Snodaigh, Minister Moran said: 'It is not possible, in advance of the approval of Ministerial Consent, to be precise about the timing of construction works; however, the project at Moore Street is a priority and it is anticipated that there will be meaningful progress onsite in 2026.' Deputy O'Snodaigh said there were concerns about dry rot other causes for the rotting of fabrics in the structure of the national monument . Mr Moran said: 'In response to concerns about fabric deterioration, including issues such as dry rot and timber decay, the OPW has engaged specialist consultants in historic timber, plaster, and wallpaper conservation. 'These experts have conducted targeted surveys and provided professional guidance to identify and mitigate risks to the buildings' most vulnerable features. These reports inform interim protective measures and I can assure the Deputy that the buildings are being carefully maintained and protected.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Journal
20-06-2025
- The Journal
Three arrested for €400,000 worth of vandalism at OPW site near Castletown House
THREE PEOPLE HAVE been arrested in connection with vandalism worth an estimated €400,000 at an Office of Public Works (OPW) site used by staff at Castletown House last month. The arrests were made this morning following a search operation conducted by gardaí at a number of homes in Celbridge, Co Kildare, located close to Castletown House estate. Two teenagers and a man in his 30s were detained by gardaí shortly after the search. Gardaí say the arrests relate to several separate incidents of criminal damage that occurred between 22 April and 4 May at Donaghcumper House. The property is used as a staging site for transporting OPW staff to nearby Castletown House, a historic estate at the centre of an 21-month controversy – as residents have opposed the OPW's proposals to use a narrow pedestrian walkway for heavy vehicles . Advertisement Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Vehicles and facilities used by the OPW were targeted over the May Bank Holiday weekend at the site . Four OPW and contractor vehicles were overturned, allegedly using a teleporter which was later dumped in the River Liffey, while outbuildings and staff welfare units were set on fire and four CCTV towers were disabled after their wiring was cut. OPW OPW Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, described it as 'shocking and unacceptable' in a statement last month. Save Castletown Gate Protectors, a local group who have maintained a presence at the entrance to Castletown House in protest against the OPW for 18 months, similarly condemned the incident. The estimated cost of the damage was in the region of €400,000. The three are being held at garda stations in Kildare. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Agriland
02-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
OPW launches heritage research journal
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has launched a new Irish heritage studies journal showcasing original critical research rooted in the office's role in managing Ireland's state property portfolio, including 780 heritage sites and associated collections. In partnership with Gandon Editions, Irish Heritage Studies highlights original critical research focused on the extensive martial culture, built heritage, artistic collections, and national and international histories linked to Ireland's heritage sites and objects. The remit of the journal extends to the broader role of the OPW in Irish life over the past two centuries. The journal articles aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the remarkable collection of national heritage in OPW's care, and investigate new perspectives on aspects of its history. Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that as custodians of so much of Ireland's rich heritage, they are excited to launch Irish Heritage Studies. Minister Moran said: 'It will help to foster a deeper understanding of Ireland's cultural legacy and OPW's role in protecting and conserving that legacy. 'The journal will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, inspiring preservation of our heritage and celebrating our nation's history. 'It also represents the first phase of OPW's plans to mark OPW200, the celebration of 200 years of OPW in Irish life.' Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran. Source: Sasko Lazarov (Photocall Ireland) Irish Heritage Studies also explores OPW's rich history, which ranges from civil engineering, famine relief, and loan administration to major building projects, and architectural and archaeological conservation and presentation. It aims to be a vital resource for schools and colleges, heritage professionals,and all those passionate about Ireland's history and its social and physical fabric. Every volume will feature new research findings focussing on aspects of Ireland's most iconic heritage sites. The first volume is available from OPW heritage sites. Copies are also available to order from the Gandon Editions website.
RTÉ News
29-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
'Some 100 schemes' under way to tackle flooding, Dáil told
The Government has restated its commitment to tackling the threat of flooding by investing in "prevention, protection and preparedness". Speaking during Dáil Statements on Flood Relief, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said that the OPW had identified communities at risk by undertaking the largest ever programme of its kind in 2018. That research concluded that the vast majority of those communities could be protected, if an "ambitious", "robust approach" which "met regulatory requirements" was undertaken. There are "some 100" schemes under way, with projects either completed or being carried out to protect "80% of at-risk properties". "To date, the OPW has €570 million in 55 flood relief schemes protecting 13,500 properties with an estimated economic benefit" of €2 billion, the minister said. Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell acknowledged the significant increase in OPW funding to address this matter, but said that this was never "predominantly a financial issue". She accepted that flood relief schemes "are complex and multi-annual projects", and do require local input. However she warned: "It does take far too long to go from the initial stages to completion at the moment." Labour TD Ged Nash asked why delivering a flood relief scheme, which has five stages, can get stuck on the first stage, citing examples from his constituency in Co Louth. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins said that "rivers need to be cleaned out", and called on the minister to ensure that this happens, but reassured that he was not "having a go" at the minister who he said is "a hard-working man".
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
OPW grants additional funding for flood mitigation works at Kilkenny hot spot
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the approval of Kilkenny County Council's application for funding under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Under this scheme, additional funding of €69,558 has been approved by Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran for the planned flood mitigation works at Ardaloo, Jenkinstown in Co Kilkenny. These works will include using a flood wall around the subject property area to protect a number of homes that are prone to flooding. So far, Kilkenny County Council have given an undertaking to protect four homes in total from flooding in the Ardaloo area. Three of these homes are at risk of flooding, while the fourth house is a nearby isolated property that floods on a regular basis. This new funding is in addition to the €78,453 approved in August of 2024, which brings the total approved funding for this project to €148,011.
