Reports of disturbances to a local bat roost were made.
A midlands TD is rejecting claims the OPW breached wildlife regulations while refurbishing Emo Court in Laois.
Peter Burke, who's a junior minister in the Department of Heritage, was responding to accusations made by Senator Lynn Boylan in the Seanad today.
The historical mansion and its gardens is undergoing a €1.2m upgrade, something Minister Burke says is long overdue.
Senator Boylan claims the OPW ignored warnings from ecologists that a protected bat roost would be disturbed by the works.
However, Minister Burke says the emergency upgrades in question were in line with regulations and inspections since have found the bat roost is fully intact:
Ex Westmeath Garda Avoids Jail After Admitting Coercive Control Of Wife
Midlands 103 Wins Big At National Radio Awards
Over 100 Jobs Created In Laois Following MyPay Contract
New Laois Domestic Violence Refuge Moves To Design Stage
Laois Hurlers To Receive Civic Honour Following Joe McDonagh Cup Success
TUS Research Centre Launches New Breastfeeding Support Toolkit
Dentists Set For Industrial Action This Month
Offaly TD Backs Tighter Citizenship Requirements