The OPW says it hopes to facilitate internal visitor access to Rattoo Round Tower next month.
That’s according to information provided to councillors at the meeting of Listowel Municipal District.
Repairs have been ongoing at the historic Office of Public Works maintained site in Ballyduff for over 15 years.
Rattoo Round Tower is the only surviving complete round tower in Kerry, and is believed to date back to the 13th century.
The former ecclesiastical complex once hosted an abbey, church, hospital, and a school of music.
In correspondence to the recent meeting of the Listowel Municipal District, it was confirmed substantial works on Rattoo Round Tower are now completed.
The letter on behalf of Minister for the OPW, Kevin Boxer Moran, advised that internal lime-washing will be finished in the coming weeks.
It said there are challenges with access to the tower, given the tall, slender structure, confined internal spaces and steep vertical climbs.
The correspondence added, a safety audit will be necessary in the future on how visitors can access areas within the tower.
However, it stated it hopes to facilitate “some degree of internal access” for Heritage Week 2026, which takes place from August 15th to 23rd.
At the Listowel MD meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Tom Barry urged for surface repair works to be carried out on the L-6042 at Knockanore, Ballyduff.
He stated this road will be very busy when Rattoo Round Tower reopens and it’s vital it’s in good condition, the motion was seconded by independent councillor Liam “Speedy” Nolan.
