INVESTIGATION INTO SOUTERRAIN

The Office of Public Works has revealed that it is investigating how Donaghmore souterrain, a national monument in its care, was damaged seven years ago which has caused it to remain closed to the public.

The site of the underground monument is privately owned and is managed by the OPW under the guardianship provisions of the relevant legislation.

In response to a query from Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin, the Department of Public Expenditure said that one of the souterrain’s lintels had cracked and a number of vents providing airways into the structure appear to be blocked. However, they are not able to say when it may be fixed.

The department said: ‘ This rendered the site potentially unsafe for visitors and public access, which had previously been available through a local keyholder, was curtailed immediately the damage became known.

‘ The OPW is not in a position to state conclusively who was responsible for the damage and is now focused on carrying out the necessary investigation works to assess the possible repairs to the structure.

‘ To date however, the necessary staff have been addressing other more urgent priorities and it has not been possible to make a substantive start on assessment works.

‘It should also be reflected that, while a number of examinations of the site have been undertaken, the work is hampered by the unstable condition of the monument.

‘It is expected that the investigation will be progressed this year and will be undertaken by the National Monuments Service staff. Given the underground nature of the site and the particular hazards associated with such spaces, it is not clear at this time whether the reinstatement of public access to the monument will be feasible’.

Sinn Fein Cllr. Tomas Sharkey highlighted the issue this week and said: ‘As a county councillor in this area I am concerned that it is taking the OPW to take so long to address the damage to Donaghmore soutterain.

‘ This soutterain is an important piece of our heritage and we are proud of it in Kilkerley and don’t want it to be neglected’.