David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

45. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the status of a restoration project (details supplied); when he expects the project to be reopened to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/24]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to give the Minister of State an opportunity to update the House on the status of the restoration of Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill, one of the finest examples of a castle in the country.

Much good work has been done there. The Minister of State has been there recently, visiting the castle. He has seen for himself what went on. I believe he climbed up onto the ramparts as well. Will he update me on what is happening and when it might reopen?

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanton again. I was in Barryscourt Castle on a fine summer's day. I commend the OPW staff on the fantastic work and their utter commitment to it. Many of them are from the area. I was really impressed by the work. As Deputy Stanton is aware, the initial phase of the projects, which have been ongoing for some time, involves progressively drying the entire castle structure, repointing, regrouting and carrying out additional fabric repairs to prevent future water ingress. This work has proven to be technically challenging and has taken longer than was originally expected due to the discovery of additional works to the chimneys and roofs which needed to be undertaken. I was taken on a tour of the castle with Deputy Stanton and others. I am happy to report that the grouting work to the external walls is now complete. There will still be works to masonry at a high level to the tower and wall works but it is thought that these works will not interfere with progressing works internally. We are now at the snagging stage of the exterior. The OPW is working closely with expert ecologists who have highlighted some specific issues regarding specific works which would impact bat maternity roosts in the castle. The OPW is mindful of ensuring all works are carried out to the highest standard without causing undue disturbance to maternity roosts.

I am disappointed the project is taking longer than first advised. However, every effort is being made to expedite the remaining works. I assure the Deputy of OPW's commitment to the castle. Regrettably, it is not possible to give a definitive date at this time but the OPW is working towards having the site opened next year.

I will make a comment. I was absolutely impressed by the OPW staff and the sheer skill level of the masons. They have many apprentices and it really struck home to me that they were from the area and they had pride in their work. Everyone has that pride. I was particularly impressed. Obviously, a lot of the work has to be subcontracted. I like the fact that it was done in house by the OPW. I recognise the staff, their training and everything else.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I join the Minister of State in acknowledging the fantastic abilities and hard work of the OPW staff and the skill levels they have put in here. It is an amazing project and it will be of huge benefit to the local area. Will the Minister of State outline his vision for the castle in the context of the greater east Cork area and nationally given its importance, the plans for the curtilage of the castle, the land around it and the other buildings there, and how it can be used in the whole tourism and archaeology offering of the region?

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The context here is that it is an Anglo-Norman castle, the seat of the Barry family, and one of the finest restored Irish tower houses. It dates back to 1392 and 1420. The castle has an outer bawn wall and largely intact corner towers. The ground floor contains a dungeon in which prisoners were dropped via the drop hole located on the second floor. I did not actually go near that point. I did not tempt fate. It was purchased by a private trust set up in 1987 by concerned locals, including Peter Barry, who was a former Government Minister and would have been a colleague of Deputy Durkan. By the mid-1980s it was realised that State assistance was needed to properly complete conservation and it was agreed the State would take the castle into its ownership. The OPW and national monuments service will complete the works and undertake it on behalf of the public. The Barryscourt Trust still has an interest in the site in the form of an adjacent cottage. Formerly, this building acted as a combined coffee shop and living quarters for the general operatives. The building is fundamentally sound. It is in a beautiful setting. Certainly, when it is fully renovated, it will be a major tourist attraction. There is work. The site is located on the Wild Atlantic Way branding area and the OPW hopes to work with Fáilte Ireland on the strategic path to unlock the tourism visitor potential of the site, once all works have been completed.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is one of the finest castles and tower houses of its type in the country. It is also part of a wider plan for Carrigtwohill and east Cork, the Carrigtwohill 2040 project, and that will require further resources later on with respect to the purchase of land, possibly locally, for the parking of buses and that kind of thing. Is the Minister of State aware of this vision, plan and proposal? Is he prepared to support it in the medium and long term?

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware from meeting people locally of this particular plan for in Carrigtwohill. I had a relatively short visit there but we and the OPW would always be looking at particular historical sites and the comparative advantage in terms of the area around it. That is something we are open to in terms of the OPW considering any proposal. In most cases when we are looking at them, they are unconditional but it is something we will certainly look at.