Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the significant investment in Kilkenny Castle in recent years. I look forward to continued investment being made in the years ahead. Kilkenny Castle is a jewel in the crown of the south east. Visitor numbers are absolutely through the roof every year. The castle is a fantastic asset on our doorstep and is worth a huge amount to the local economy. The Minister and Ministers of State are always welcome to Kilkenny, especially if they bring the cheque book. We will welcome them any time.

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit Kilkenny city and the castle itself. The crowd of people there was absolutely unbelievable. To have a state-of-the-art facility like Kilkenny Castle in the middle of the city centre is quite unique, not only in the context of the south east but across Ireland in general. I encourage everybody to get into their cars this summer and go down to Kilkenny and enjoy everything that is great about it.

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