An East Galway TD has welcomed progress in efforts to return the Turoe Stone to Bullaun.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon this week confirmed the appointment of an architect by the OPW to finalise a design for a new protective enclosure for the precious artefact at Turoe, near Bullaun village.
“It is now six years since the Turoe Stone, which is considered to be masterpiece of art from the Irish Iron Age, was removed from its location in Bullaun due to concerns over the effects of weathering”.
“This is one of the jewels in the crown in East Galway`s ancient heritage and I have been engaging with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and the OPW to ensure that the project to return the stone to its rightful place in Bullaun and provide it with a bespoke protective enclosure progresses as quickly as possible,” he said.
Minister Cannon said he was delighted therefore that the OPW has confirmed the appointment of an Architect for the next phase of the process, to finalise the design of a special protective enclosure for the Turoe stone at Turoe Pet Farm.
“Once the design is finalised we will then be ready to seek planning permission for the enclosure.The OPW has also informed me that a quantity surveyor and a mechanical and electrical engineer have also been appointed to the project to fill out the design team and support the architect”.
“In addition, the OPW has opened up discussions with the National Museum (who own the Monument ) and Minister Madigan`s Department so that Owner agreement and Ministerial Consent can be acquired respectively”.
Minister Cannon said he has been involved in promoting the case for the return of the Turoe Stone to East Galway since the earliest days of its removal and he look forward to seeing it back in Bullaun in the very near future.
“I’m also very grateful to the Corcoran family at Turoe Pet Farm who have been faithful custodians of the Turoe Stone for decades. Their co-operation in facilitating the return of the stone to Turoe is very much appreciated by all who are involved in this project,” he added.
