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Grianan restored after recent damage 20.05.09

THE Office of Public Works yesterday confirmed that unauthorised removal of stones from Grianan of Aileach ringfort had take place in recent weeks.
However, the stones were reinstated about ten days ago after members of the public reported the damage to the authorities.
An OPW spokesperson said a member of the National Monuments maintenance staff in Donegal returned to the stone fort in Burt at lunchtime yesterday to check on the structure. He reported that everything "was as it should be" at the historic site.
Grianan of Aileach before the stones were replaced 10 days ago. "The stones that had been removed were reinstated between seven and ten days ago. The structure was checked again at lunchtime today and everything was as it should be," said the spokesperson yesterday.
Big structural works were undertaken between 2006 and last year to restore the famous monument. The use of concrete to bind the stones in what was historically a dry stone fort, has been roundly criticised.
Buncrana-based Bettina Linke, who is a tireless observer of Grianan of Aileach, was among those who noticed the recent damage to the important site.
The OPW spokesperson said the latest damage was not done by stormy weather or instability and was likely the work of vandals.
However, he said it had since been repaired and would continue to be checked on a regular basis.
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