Water damage and falling plaster in Leinster House raises fears for famous paintings

Works to replace the roof in the “area of concern” were planned as part of the next phase of works for the multi-million restoration and refurbishment of Leinster House. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins File photo.

THE Office of Public Works is keeping a close eye on a famous painting of the first Dáil Éireann and valuable portraits of Ireland’s ex-taoisigh amid concerns over damp, water damage, and falling plaster in Leinster House.

A small portion of the ceiling at the top of a staircase leading to the Dáil Chamber fell late last summer with internal emails saying there appeared to be “a lot of water damage”.