The OPW says it's finally ready to "crack on" with returning the Turoe Stone to Bullaun.
It's revealed the long-running delays are down to initial plans to build a special glass housing and landscaped garden being "cost prohibitive".
The Turoe Stone is a granite stone more than two thousand years old, decorated in a Celtic style.
No-one really knows the exact purpose it served, but many believe it was likely ritualistic or religious.
It was removed from Bullaun in 2014 for cleaning and restoration works - and has remained in storage in Athenry since.
Local Fianna Fail TD Albert Dolan has now raised the issue with the OPW.
The OPW has described it as an "attractive site" from a tourism perspective and acknowledges the plan has taken longer than it would have liked.
But, it has advised costs were "probably prohibitive" based on the first design, and it had to be sent back for a redesign.
Deputy Dolan has been given an assurance that the situation is coming to an end - and the OPW is keen to crack on and get the work done.
