Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) was on Clare Island today (Monday 14 April 2014) and used the opportunity to announce that the OPW National Monuments Service will this summer undertake further work on the important Wall paintings at St. Brigid's Cistercian Abbey on Clare Island. Located in Clew Bay, Mayo.St. Brigid's Abbey is a National Monument in State care and is managed and maintained by the OPW as part of its commitment to the upkeep of approx 780 National Monuments sites nationwide.  A significant conservation project led by Dr. Christoph Oldenbourg, an internationally-know paintings conservator from Germany, was undertaken over a number of years in the late 1990's.  This project was very successful in preserving  the paintings and as a follow on project, Dr. Oldenbourg is returning to the site for a number of months this summer to do further work.  The project constitutes "aftercare" by Dr. Oldenbourg and will ensure that the work done earlier is re-examined and any issues relating to it addressed so that the valuable paintings can continue to be stabilised in their current condition and so that they will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come. During his visit, the Minister also met with local Business and Tourism interests to hold discussions with a view to maximising the opportunities for enhancing tourism on the Island, which receives substantial visitor traffic from the mainland, with a regular ferry service each day from Roonagh Pier, near Westport.  Clare Island is close to the Westport tourism hub and the Wild Atlantic Way as well as the Mayo Greenway.

Minister Hayes said "I am delighted to visit Clare Island today and see the many wonderful attractions the island has to offer.  I understand nearly 40,000 day trips are made annually to the island and I know my Office is keen to work with the local community under our Friends of Irish Heritage Initiative to see if more can be done to develop the Island as a visitor destination and more actively market the National Monuments as visitor attractions which they can view during their stay".

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Brian Hayes, please contact OPW Press Office on 086 047 874

Note to Editors:

St. Brigid's Cistercian Abbey Clare Island:

St. Brigid's Cistercian Abbey is located near the south coast of the island. It was patronised by the O’Malley Clan in the 13th century. It contains numerous O'Malley tombs, and, according to rumour, is where Grace O’Malley was baptized, married and buried. It is believed that her body was interred within the decorated tomb niche at the Abbey. The Abbey is also distinguished for its rare and well-preserved medieval roof & wall paintings and carved figureheads inserted into the south wall. The wall paintings at the Abbey were conserved in a significant project undertaken during the 1990's. Further work is required now and the OPW are re-engaging Dr. Christoph W. Oldenbourgh who carried out the original work, to return this coming summer to work on further conservation this summer.

Granuaile's Castle Clare Island:

Granuaile’s Castle a National Monument in State care, built in the 15th century is a stone built tower house situated overlooking the harbour on Clare Island. Early in the 19th century it was re-modelled for coastal defence use, possibly as a coast guard station. A narrow approach road links the quay with the Castle and village. Access to the monument may be obtained by contacting the local key holder and access to the interior of the structure is restricted for health and safety reasons.