The Government is set to buy part of the historic Durrow Abbey estate in Co Offaly later this month for €3 million to protect one of the country's most architecturally important high crosses.
Last night, the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Mr Tom Parlon, said contacts between the current owners of the property and the State, which have been going on for some time, are "at last being finalised".
The State is buying 80 acres of the original 300-acre property, including the high cross, a 19th-century home, and an abbey which was protected some years ago from the natural elements by the OPW.
"The site is of huge architectural importance and will be a true asset in the State's property portfolio. It is vital that this high cross is protected from any further deterioration," the Minister of State said.
Once the contracts are signed, work will begin to ensure that the high cross, which is of the same standard as those found in Clonmacnoise, Kells and Iona, will be brought indoors for its own protection.
"The high cross is currently standing beside 200-year-old beech trees which have grown up alongside it. If there was a storm, it would be gone," Mr Parlon, a Laois/Offaly TD, said.
Durrow Abbey is ranked alongside Clonmacnoise, Kells, Armagh and Iona because of its association with St Columcille, who founded it in 553 or 556 AD.
The Offaly monastery is also where the Book of Durrow, one of the treasures of early Christian Ireland, was composed in the 7th century and kept there until the middle of the 17th century.
The land also includes a well that was much frequented by locals until it was closed off by the deceased husband of the current owner. The locals honour St Columcille on June 9th.
The first such recorded Pattern Day dates back to 1463, according to Durrow in History: A celebration of what went before, which was edited by Mr Michael Byrne.
Three years ago, property developers wanted to build a £130 million hotel, apartment and houses project that would have included an 18-hole golf course and conference centre, but An Bord Pleanála subsequently rejected the proposal.
