Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the estate management of Barryscourt Castle, the site is closed to the public at the moment as the OPW is addressing the dampness issues and is completely rewiring. It will probably remain closed until at least 2018 but it is being developed. With regard to the Annes Grove site, it was donated to the State in 2015. The OPW has commenced a programme of works to make the garden safe and to facilitate initial public access to sections of the garden in spring of this year. At present, it is envisaged that pre-booked guided tours will be available for the month of May only. As development works will be ongoing throughout the year, it is necessary from a health and safety point of view that the May tours be limited to small sizes and accompanied by a member of staff. The site will be shown in this initial trial period as a work in progress site, but at least it is being opened up to the public and progress is being made on it. The Deputy mentioned one other site and we will come back to him on that one.