Sir, - Your correspondent Gerry O'Brien (April 4th) was concerned at the "disorganised" removal of the telescope tube from Birr Castle. Far from being disorganised, this delicate procedure was carried out with utmost efficiency and skill.
The engineer in charge, Michael Tubridy of Denis O'Leary & Partners, whose knowledge, dedication and commitment to this project is without equal, was present to watch over the removal of the tube. He was extremely pleased and impressed with Universal Works, the company responsible for the restoration of the tube.
The speculum box, to which Mr O'Brien also referred, does not contain an "encased" mirror (the mirror was given to the Science Museum in London in 1914) and it was in an advanced state of decay. The angle brackets connecting the tube to the box were broken, and most of the wood will be unusable in the reconstructed instrument. The bolts were individually removed the following day and will indeed be restored to the tube.
Mr O'Brien also expresses concern about the Government monies invested in this project. He, and everyone else so concerned, should be aware that the project is monitored closely by such respected astronomers as Sir Bernard Lovell, Patrick Moore and Patrick Wayman. The contractor for the works is Michael MacNamara & Partners, one of the very few national firms with restoration/conservation experience, and we are extremely fortunate to have the design and management services of the Office of Public Works to guide us through this intricate and ambitious scheme. - Yours etc..
Project director,
Birr Scientific and Heritage
Foundation,
The Estate Office,
Rosse Row,
Birr, Co Offaly.