The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced that conservation works at Kells Round Tower in County Meath have been completed. The tower stands within the historic monastic settlement founded by St Columba in the mid-sixth century and is widely associated with the completion of the Book of Kells.

Although structurally sound, the tower had suffered extensive mortar loss and stone erosion over time. Works began following the installation of scaffolding in February 2024. Owing to the tower's position beside a footpath and graveyard, comprehensive safety measures were introduced before activity commenced, including fully boarded scaffolding with a pedestrian gantry, access stairs, vehicular access, a crash deck and public lighting.

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Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin "Boxer" Moran said: 'The completion of the conservation works to Kells Round Tower is a significant milestone in preserving our architectural heritage sites. This project demonstrates OPW's commitment to maintaining and preserving our past and to ensure that future generations to come will enjoy these historic monuments. I want to thank everyone involved in delivering this significant project."

The project was delivered by OPW National Monuments craft workers from the Trim District, including OPW stonemasons trained in traditional techniques. The conservation programme included:

- Removal of vegetation

- Localised repointing

- Stone cleaning

- Repair and consolidation

- Installation of a removable steel floor at the entrance level to facilitate OPW access

The interventions are intended to safeguard the monument for generations to come, ensuring it continues to serve as a key landmark for residents and visitors to Kells.