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:
NASA Artemis II Mission Begins Journey Back To Earth
Westmeath Boy To Be Laid To Rest After Devastating Road Accident
Laois Man To Hold Charity Raffle And Open Day This Weekend
Westmeath Cycleway Bridge To Be Named After Late Mary O'Rourke
Former Oireachtas PAC Chair Urges Direct Answers From State Bodies
Westmeath Family Appear In Court Over Violent Row
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €352K
Midlands Country Music Star Calls Out Tanaiste Over Fuel Crisis
Three Midlands Garda Stations Left Without Dedicated Officers
Midlands Fire Stations To Benefit From Fire Services Capital Programme
Midlands Motorists Clocked Speeding Over Bank Holiday Weekend
Gardaí Seek Witnesses Following Westmeath Burglary
Teacher Pay, AI And Staffing Crisis To Dominate Union Conferences
Electric Picnic Organiser Sees UK Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Booking
Missing Offaly Man Found Safe And Well
Man Dies Following Midlands Crash
Storm Dave Leaves Hundreds Of Midlands Homes Without Power
Laois Dairy Farm Submits Planning Application To Retain Onside Accommodation
Westmeath’s Musical Link To Sinead O’Connor Highlighted By Wax Museum Update
Moneygall To Feature On New US Presidents Trail Celebrating Irish Roots