Community News and Events

Minister meeting with Dromahair Community Association / Tidy Towns during visit to Leitrim

Minister meeting with Dromahair Community Association / Tidy Towns during visit to Leitrim. The Group made a presentation to the Minister on the proposed future use of the Former Garda Station and Married Quarters in Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. The OPW has since agreed to enter into a Lease Agreement with Leitrim County Council for their use of the former Dromahair Garda station and residence for community purposes.

Minister O’Donovan, John Moran, Philip Russell, Michael Doran and John Paul Phelan TD

Minister O’Donovan, John Moran, Philip Russell, Michael Doran and John Paul Phelan TD discussing Graiguenamanagh Flooding Relief Scheme, Co. Kilkenny, and the impact flooding has had on their homes and businesses. This flood relief scheme is currently at Stage 1 (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design). The River Barrow passes through Graiguenamanagh, and was once a significant river ‘highway’. It was developed as a commercial navigation route in the mid-18th century and Graiguenamanagh served as a base for commercial barges operating on the river until barge traffic ceased in 1959. The barges that once lined the quaysides have since been replaced by pleasure craft. Unfortunately, the town has suffered significant flood damage in recent years, given its location on the Barrow and proximity to the Blackstairs mountains. The town follows a medieval layout with a number of water runs established to support its milling tradition. This adds to the unique medieval fabric of the town. It also contributes to the complex environment that is badly in need of flood defences.

Minister O’Donovan officially opened the Pollinator Trail at Fota House

May 2021, Minister O’Donovan officially opened the Pollinator Trail at Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Cork. The Pollinator Trail was developed in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Irish Heritage Trust and the Irish Bee Conservation Project. The purpose of the trail is to further enhance the visitor experience of these wonderful gardens, while showcasing the biodiversity in existence here and helping to enhance understanding of the delicate balance at play within this environment.

Minister O’Donovan with Cllr Daniel Butler, Lord Mayor of Limerick, City and County

Minister O’Donovan with Cllr Daniel Butler, Lord Mayor of Limerick, City and County, attending the opening of the OPW exhibition, All Creatures Great and Small, which opened to the public on 7 October at the Red Door Gallery in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. All Creatures Great and Small is focused on artworks that depict birds, animals, fish and insects and their interaction with humanity and includes 33 artworks from the OPW State Art Collection and the Northern Ireland Civil Service Collection. Each artist brings their own individual approach to the depiction of living creatures and this diversity makes for a thoughtful and interesting exhibition. A free catalogue accompanies the exhibition, which was also shown in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Portumna Castle earlier this year. Since the late 1990s, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of Finance, Northern Ireland (DoF) have worked in partnership organising an annual touring art exhibition which showcases artworks from the two public-owned collections in venues across the island under changing themes.

Minister O’Donovan with Ena Bunyan, PRO of the Listowel Riverbank Group

Minister O’Donovan with Ena Bunyan, PRO of the Listowel Riverbank Group. In August, the Minister announced that the OPW had appointed Ward and Burke Ltd. As contractors to undertake remedial works along the northern bank of the River Feale, adjacent to Convent Street (R553) in Listowel, Co. Kerry. Winter storms in February 2020, resulted in the collapse of a section of elevated bank slope along the northern bank of the River Feale, adjacent to Convent Street in Listowel, Co. Kerry. This scheme will provide protection to 18 properties on Convent Street.