NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDENT Catherine Connolly has been unable to move into Áras an Uachtaráin just yet due to renovation works in the residential areas of the historic building.

President Connolly, who was inaugurated yesterday at a ceremony in Dublin Castle, is staying temporarily at the Steward’s Lodge in Farmleigh — about 3km from the Áras. 

The Áras, originally constructed in 1751 and comprising 95 rooms, is currently undergoing “routine” maintenance, including painting and flooring repairs, according to a spokesperson for the residence.

The work is focused primarily on the President’s private living quarters, with some areas not having been refurbished for more than two decades.

As a result, President Connolly’s move into her new home has been delayed by several days.

The Áras is still “fully-functional” for events, and President Connolly hosted a lunch there yesterday to celebrate her inauguration.

President Connolly pictured with previous presidents Mary McAleese, Michael D. Higgins and Mary Robinson during lunch yesterday. TONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL

It is understood that President Connolly is expected to move into Áras an Uachtaráin within seven to ten days.

Steward’s Lodge, where she is residing in the meantime, is four-bedroom property that was refurbished in 2006 and which has been used occasionally as temporary accommodation by taoisigh, most recently by Leo Varadkar during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than €87,000 has been spent by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in recent years upgrading the Lodge.

The renovation works are being carried out by the OPW, the state body responsible for the conservation and maintenance of the Áras, along with the day-to-day operations of the household and estate.

Áras an Uachtaráin has served as the official residence of the President of Ireland since 1938.