Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response, which contained a good chunk of interesting history on the castle's previous uses. I take from the reply that there is a plan to repair and conserve the building, given scoping documents are being prepared. That work should be carried out fairly rapidly because the castle has been closed for four years and people are concerned about its structure.

I reiterate the point Kinsale History Society wants me to make regarding its vision for the use of this building as an interpretative centre commemorating the world-famous Battle of Kinsale of 1601, such a famous event in both Irish and wider European history in terms of the impact it had Europe-wide. There is a fantastic opportunity here to enhance Kinsale as a tourism town and the gourmet capital of Ireland, a reputation it has rightly earned. As an incredibly attractive and historic destination, too, there is a great opportunity for us to create something in Desmond Castle with an interpretative centre on the Battle of Kinsale of 1601 to complement the already-incredible attraction of Charlesfort, which, as the Minister of State mentioned, attracts 100,000 visitors per year. Will either the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW or departmental officials meet the Kinsale History Society to at least discuss the group’s proposals for the castle?

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