Vandalism at the Hill of Tara condemned by Kilkenny TD

Minister Malcolm Noonan has expressed deep dismay at an act of vandalism perpetrated on the Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara.

"I deplore such baseless vandalism of this National Monument, a monument that is treasured by so many," he said.

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"At the heart of the recently published Conservation Management Plan for Tara are a series of objectives and actions aimed at protecting the Hill of Tara, and we will be resolute alongside our OPW colleagues in ensuring that is the case, and that our wonderful heritage may remain protected and open to the people, the vast majority of whom cherish it and will join with us in being shocked at this act.

"My National Monuments Service and OPW are working with An Garda Síochána to investigate this senseless act."

After an inspection of the monument by OPW and NMS, it was agreed to apply low-impact cleaning methods (warm water and steam cleaning) to the stone.  

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While the cleaning effort has been successful in removing most of the paint, there is still faded traces of blue.  

OPW will continue to assess the condition of the stone before considering any additional appropriate cleaning methods taking into account the need to protect the national monument.