Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
234. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the works that are now being conducted on the dome of the Four Courts; the reason further works are necessary, in light of the fact that major works on the dome were completed in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is currently undertaking the final phase of works to conserve the dome structure of the Four Courts, Inns Quay, Dublin 7, following on from earlier phases of repair works that included detailed surveying and examinations of the dome structure.
The Investigative and Entablature Repair Works to the Four Courts Dome were substantially completed by the end of July 2021. The primary purpose of that phase of works was to address the most immediate and urgent repair requirements and to facilitate the assessment of the stone capitals and perimeter steel angle to circumference immediately over the capitals.
The current phase of works focuses primarily on the Portland stone capitals that ring the drum of the Four Courts and support the dome structure. The stone capitals are in poor condition having been damaged by past events, including a major fire at the Four Courts during the civil war in 1922. The capitals will be either repaired or replaced depending upon their structural condition. In addition, the structural steel angle above the capitals to the circumference of the dome will be replaced.
It is anticipated that the works will be completed by end of 2025.
