41. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm if a location (details supplied) is in the charge of the OPW; the agency which is responsible for its maintenance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67475/26]

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the conservation, maintenance and presentation of 780 National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship. The statutory role of the OPW in respect of this estate is set out in the National Monument Acts 1931-2023.

The Office of Public Works can only speak for the number of separate structures located in Ferns Upper and the Ferns Demense that are in its care, namely St Mary's Abbey, St Peter’s Church, the late medieval chapel and a number of High Crosses in the grounds of St Edan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral which is not in State care and still in use. These structures are maintained by the Office of Public Works under its remit. The OPW's remit does not extend to the remainder of the graveyard.