By Laura Glenn

laura.glenn@inishtimes.com

 

The Office of Public Works (OPW) needs to be confronted over their “neglect” of Grianán of Aileach.

This was the message from Inishowen councillor Pádraig MacLochlainn who said the monument is not receiving the same attention and support as other national heritage sites.

Speaking at a recent Inishowen Electoral Area meeting, Councillor MacLochlainn said the situation was “heartbreaking”.

He said: “I had the opportunity to visit the Newgrange site in Meath last year and it was absolutely fantastic.

“The facilities for visitors are absolutely fabulous and everything is done with the greatest respect for the local environment.

“The Office of Public Works really promotes Newgrange and the amount of tourism it brings to Meath is phenomenal.

“Okay, Grianán may not be Newgrange but it has the potential, visually, to be just as fantastic. We’re not being treated fairly.

“The fort isn’t even on the map of Ireland’s heritage sites. We need to confront the OPW about this. We have a fantastic resource here and it is falling apart. There is no hiding place for the OPW-they are neglecting Grianán. It’s heartbreaking.”

Councillor Rena Donaghey agreed with Councillor MacLochlainn and expressed her concern at the ommission of the monument on the heritage map.

She said: “With the development of Inch Lake the whole thing needs to be tied in.

“The amount of people who come to Inishowen and visit Grianán each year is unbelievable. To think we haven’t even been listed on the map is terrible.”

Councillor Francis Conaghan was less scathing although he revealed a workshop held last year to discuss the fort was not attended by the OPW even though it was “indicated” they would. However, he said he is hopeful they will attend another workshop scheduled for April.

Speaking to Inish Times he said he was hopeful they could all work together for the benefit of the site.

“There are strong opinions about Grianan and everything that is happening with it. There are issues such as access to the site and opening times. “We believe we have a lot to talk about with representatives from National Monuments and while there does appear to be a lack of commitment we want to work with them and go forward.

“We have asked a representative from National Monuments to meet with us and they really have one last chance with the next meeting to sit down with us and and go forward from there.”

The fort recently underwent major reconstruction work and the pathway leading to it has been covered by wooden boards to enable easier access.

However this work also came under fire as issues arose concerning the use of concrete to reconstruct the wall and the removal of original stonework.

Also the historically significant St Patrick’s Well –  which lies just a few yards from the fort itsel f– is only accessible by an unmarked dirt track. There are no signs alerting tourists to the location and significance of the well-a single metal pole which stands a few yards away is the only indication of its existence.

Bettina Linke who has tirelessly campaigned for the upkeep and promotion of Grianán of Aileach called on the OPW to provide records detailing the management and maintainance of the monument.

She said: “No records have been so far provided concerning the day-to-day management and maintenance of this monument.                                                            “I am not aware of any such work carried out at Grianán of Aileach on an annual basis – at any time – to prevent further and greater damage to the fort and according to statements made by the OPW, work was carried out after damage had occurred to the monument.                                                             “Since the OPW is receiving payment from the state and therefore public money for the upkeep of the national monuments in its care, records should be available to the public to show how much has been spent and on what over the years on the day to day management and maintenance of this monument and the expense of the restoration work. “The OPW’s craftsmanship and care employed at this monument have so far only produced a record of collapse and ongoing interference which by no means provide stability of the monument and ensure safe public access to the site.”                George Moir, press officer with the OPW, denied they are neglecting the monument and said they had a valid reason for ommitting Grainán of Aileach from the national list.

He aid: “There are over 770 national monuments in our care. The list on the map and website are the sites where we provide a guide service and they show opening times and costs. Access to Grianán of Aileach is provided by a local authority road and people going along the road would know certain signs and rocks or things such as that. We didn’t leave out Grianán of Aileach intentionally.     “There is ongoing progress with Grianán. We are continually doing restoration and conservation works. We have been criticised in some areas with some people saying we are damaging or destroying it and we have responded to these claims. There were unstable bulges in the walls which may have caused it to collapse.”

“Some parts of the area have had to be kept clear because there is a safety risk.We have an ongoing programme there.

“What we may put up on our website in the future is a list of all our national monuments.”