Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

This issue concerns the delay in the refurbishment of Athlone Castle due to the requirement for ministerial approval and the broader connotations the delay has for tourism opportunities.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter. It is an issue which has been ongoing for almost a year and a half and one that has serious implications for the potential of Athlone as a tourist destination.

Last week, Athlone Town Council learned that refurbishment of Athlone Castle might continue for a third tourist season and the castle could remain closed to the public until the tourist season of 2012. The town council was informed that the executive was awaiting receipt of ministerial consent as part of the development work.

The castle was initially closed in May 2010, the year of its 800th anniversary, resulting in serious controversy, in order to enable the restoration project to begin. Now, more than 16 months later, construction has not even begun. It affects other attractions as the castle was part of a package of visitor attractions, such as trips up the River Shannon and to Clonmacnoise. The restaurants and hotels are also being affected. The likelihood of further delays to the re-opening of the castle is disappointing and worrying for the business and tourism potential of the town. Returning tourists cannot believe the castle is still not open. Its closure is undoubtedly having a negative effect on the town at a time when we should be doing all we can to attract tourists. There is also fear that the delay in construction could threaten the grant funding for the regeneration and restoration of the castle if the work is not carried out on time.

The project is designed to provide improved exhibition space, upgrade interpretative facilities as well as an overall restoration of the castle. I understand an archaeological impact assessment has to be conducted at the site and ministerial approval is then needed from the National Monuments Service before the work can begin. The restoration is costed at €3 million, a significant investment that is warmly welcomed in Athlone. The town, however, cannot see another tourism season go by without the castle being open to visitors. The website, Athlone.ie tells visitors that the facilities of the castle, "are once again being re-developed to bring the standards of interpretation and display in line with the visitor expectations of the twenty-first century". The keep of the castle will be used to tell the dramatic story of the famous Siege of Athlone while the other buildings will house a modern interpretative centre focusing on Athlone, the castle and the periods both before and after the siege. There will also be a new presentation on the life and times of John Count McCormack, Athlone's most famous son.

Will the Minister provide an update on the current stage of the castle renovations, give an indication of when it will be open to the public and an assurance that the grant will not expire before construction is complete?

See this speech in context