Latest news with #OfficeofPublicWorks
Agriland
3 hours ago
- 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.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Wexford families roll up their sleeves for ‘bio blitz' at popular OPW site
With the public's assistance, members of the Office of Public Works took to the grounds to collect as much information as possible on the many different plants and animals in the area, but it was a race against time to find and record the various species over just one day. The Bio Blitz took place from 3 p.m. on Friday, May 23 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, and the staff at the park were delighted to see families, nature lovers, and curious explorers of all ages join the expert scientists and naturalists for the guided walks and hands-on workshops. The activities that took place on Friday included a native tree talk; woodland and grassland plants, and a late night bat walk. On Saturday, there was a Dawn Chorus led by Glynn Anderson; an insect safari; bird bingo; Lilliputian Flora, and bees and pollinators; pond dipping, and a meadow walk with head gardener, Kevin Naughton. Speaking about the event, Gerry O'Neill explained that hosting the Bio Blitz 'was all new' to himself and other staff in the park, which was coordinated by the National Biodiversity Centre in Waterford. However, he added, 'it was great to see the turnout, we had great numbers with over 40 people for some of the activities, and we're looking forward to building on those events as people of all ages enjoyed them.' The botanists made their way into areas of the grounds, such as Slieve Coillte, to collect other sample of data while the events were taking place throughout the 24-hour blitz, in an effort to study as much information from the site as possible, given it may have been trickier for the public to access. 'Everyone was so enthusiastic and it was great to see how well the public reacted to the event. It was certainly worth the effort when everyone came together,' Gerry concluded. The official results from the Bio Blitz are still in progress.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
New Garda Station for County Sligo town replacing existing premises dating from the 1960s
The Office of Public Works has confirmed that refurbishment works at a state-owned building will accommodate a new Garda Station building for Tubbercurry, that will be fully refurbished right next door to the current one. The news has been welcomed by local FF TD Eamon Scanlon 'I am delighted to receive this confirmation from the Office of Public Works. Their plans for the Garda station are exciting, and this is a long-standing issue which will now be addressed. 'I have worked on this issue for many years. I had the now Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran visit the current station back in 2016,' he said. 'The current station dates back all the way to 1960 and is now completely unfit for purpose." The work will consist of a deep retrofit to include a fabric/energy upgrade, new windows, solar water heating, PV panel installation and a fire escape, confirmed Scanlon. He said: 'Tubbercurry is the third busiest station in the Sligo-Leitrim division and this building no longer meets the needs of a functioning Garda Station. After the Statutory Submissions such as Part IX Planning submission, together with Fire Certification and Disability Access applications are granted, the project will progress to tender preparation. Deputy Scanlon said that the benefits of the provision of a new station for the people of Tubbercurry, the Gardaí based in the station, and the broader communities will be clear to see. 'This has been a long time coming, and the establishment of a new station will allow the enhancement of new facilities for staff, and in essence, that will be a great support for the local community.'
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Boats sail out to Skellig Michael in protest to 'urgent threat to tourism'
'An urgent threat to tourism' in South Kerry prompted a flotilla of boats to head out to Skellig Michael on Thursday evening in protest over the ongoing closure of the Unesco World Heritage site. The popular tourist attraction has not opened to visitors since legal action was initiated by three boat owners who were not awarded permits for this year. Manager of the site, the Office of Public Works (OPW), said it cannot issue permits to any of the 15 operators awarded landing rights for the 2025 season because of legal constraints. The Skellig season traditionally runs between early May and late September, weather permitting. Only a limited number of visitors per day, a total of 180, are to allowed land because of the fragile nature of the site. Demand regularly outstrips supply — particularly since Skellig Michael featured in the hugely popular Star Wars trilogy. The number of tourists who visit each day represent only a fraction of the total visitor value to the region, tourism operators have said. Tourists are mostly accompanied to the region by family and friends who spend time exploring, a protest organiser has said. Most are accompanied by other family members and friends who spend time exploring the coast and villages in South Kerry. According to James Murphy, an orgainser and spokesperson for Skellig Coast Tourism, €1m in tourist revenue has already been lost since the May 10 opening date was missed. Representing 100 businesses in the region, Mr Murphy said permits need to be issued by the OPW. 'Over €1m is already lost in the Skellig not being open. This includes pay for boatmen, accommodation and cafes, and visitor experience," he said. The damage went beyond money and also affected the reputation of Kerry, he added. Thursday's protest saw the boat operators head from Portmagee to Skellig Michael, circling the island in a bid to drawing attention to the escalating crisis. Mr Murphy said the time for talking was over, and permits needed to be issued. He said his organisation had no entrenched views as to who should get the permits, simply that they should be issued for the sake of the region. He claimed that the OPW had not engaged with locals. The number of tourists who visit each day represent only a fraction of the total visitor value to the region, tourism operators have said. Last week, the OPW said it had lodged a motion before the High Court seeking permission to issue Skellig Michael boat operator permits for summer 2025 to the successful applicants. This followed a High Court challenge from unsuccessful participants in the open competition to operate the boat licences. A date for the High Court to hear the OPW motion has been assigned for either June 3 or 4. Competition In December 2024, the OPW published a competition to award 15 permits for summer 2025 and onwards. The number of permits is limited in order to protect the fragile ecosystem of Skellig Michael, it added. 'The OPW contacted applicants in late March 2025 to tell them the outcome of their applications," the OPW said in a statement. "Since then, three unsuccessful participants in the competition have brought High Court proceedings challenging the outcome of the competition. The OPW will be fully defending the proceedings." Under Irish and EU law, the proceedings brought by three unsuccessful tenderers mean that the OPW is prevented from issuing permits for summer 2025. This is until the proceedings are resolved or unless the High Court gives permission to issue permits. 'The OPW is acutely aware of the key role the island plays in the tourism economy of South Kerry and the wider region. In an attempt to resolve the situation, the OPW has been making urgent applications to the High Court requesting permission to lift the injunction in place (also known as a suspension). "If the injunction/suspension is lifted, this will enable the OPW to issue permits to the 15 applicants who were successful in the competition on the terms advertised in the competition. "No permit can be issued until the High Court gives permission to do so or unless the proceedings are settled.' Read More West Cork Film Studios rising as Hollywood faces crisis over Trump's proposed film tariffs
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.
