Report Paul Murphy
Work on conserving Kells Round Tower, meant to take two years, has been delayed until next year because of two storms, an update from the Office of Public Works has said. The Opw statement was given in reply to queries from Meath Live about progress on the works. The 1,000-year-old national monument in State care has had significant mortar loss and stone erosion over the centuries.
Ministerial approval for repair work was granted in September 2023 with work commencing following erection of scaffolding in February last year. The conservation work is being undertaken by skilled crafts people in the Trim National Monument District. The Opw said the completion of the work had been delayed by storm damage and the expected completion date is now September 2026.
Up to today, all external window repair is complete, with remaining external work expected to be finished this year. Internal work will follow in early 2026 with a time line of 7-9 months. The Opw said that due to two storms it was necessary to pause conservation works due to safety concerns arising from damage to the scaffold and warp. However, it added that conservation work had continued off-site with stonemasons preparing and dressing stones for the tower. Preparation for work on the interior is taking place at present. There are no steps in the tower and internal scaffolding is being used to allow the conservation work to be done.
