Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his words of encouragement. The OPW is responsible for the conservation, care and preservation of Kilkenny Castle and parkland. In 2024, there were approximately 417,000 ticket visitors to Kilkenny Castle and 780,000 to the parkland. The OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the castle. Planned maintenance works, including mechanical and electric works and window maintenance, continue to be undertaken. Painting and decorating, cabling, lighting and infrastructure upgrades and improvements in the castle wing were undertaken during 2024. Further maintenance works on lighting in the picture gallery will be taking place this year. Improvement works to the river steps and further painting work are also planned for 2025.

Preliminary investigations of the cause of water ingress in some areas were conducted in January. This work identified a need for some flashing and slate repair to or replacement of certain roofs. Following further assessment, it is expected that some of this work can be addressed in 2025. Some of the necessary roof works may be incorporated in the future development works in the picture gallery wing. Archaeological investigation works were conducted last November to investigate subsurface conditions. The findings of this investigation will inform the engineering approach for conducting the forthcoming development works, including courtyard resurfacing that will take place as part as of the major development of the project.

The OPW has secured planning permission for major conservation work to improve accessibility to the castle. These proposed works will facilitate universal access. The project will incorporate lift access to the picture gallery, as well as a changing places bathroom facility.

As part of these works, the OPW plans to carry out fabric repair works to the picture gallery. Section 57 consent has been obtained from the local planning authority for these works. The visitor reception and ticket office will be relocated. The location of the current ticket office is unsatisfactory and too small to accommodate the two guides needed during busy periods.

The project team is engaged in producing a detailed design. Subject to the availability of technical resources and funding, this project will be put out to tender next year.

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