Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)

Dunguaire Castle is an iconic cultural and heritage landmark in Kinvara on the Wild Atlantic Way but it remains closed off to the public. That is a huge loss for Kinvara and south Galway as a whole in terms of tourism, heritage and employment. This loss is being felt as we enter the summer months. Dunguaire is a 16th century castle with great history, but it has been closed for two years. Huge numbers of tourists pass it in buses every day and while many will stop off, they cannot enter the castle. In the past, there would have been tours, banquets, performances and so on. The castle was a real asset and of significant benefit to the community. This is a real missed opportunity in terms of the castle itself but also for the village as a whole. The castle is right on the edge of the village and is within walking distance from there. Its closure is most definitely impacting on footfall in Kinvara.

Galway County Council has been in talks with the Shannon Group on acquiring the site but it needs Government funding to progress this purchase. It has estimated that it could cost in the region of millions of euro to bring the castle up to a safe standard. Significant remedial works are required to do that. The council's request for the necessary funding has not been granted. The council has been engaging with the Ministers responsible for local government and tourism, as have I.

They both said they do not have discretionary funding streams available to facilitate the purchase and necessary works. I have also raised this with the Minister of State responsible for the OPW, but he said he cannot direct the OPW to intervene and purchase the site because it is not designated as a national monument. These excuses are very frustrating for the local community, especially as it seems the castle will remain closed indefinitely, with no Department seemingly willing to take responsibility and allocate the necessary funding. Somebody has to take responsibility. The reality is that the if there is political will, the castle can be brought back into use.

Where is the Government commitment to the Wild Atlantic Way and towns and villages like Kinvara along the route, for which tourism is critical? Kinvara must not continue to be neglected, and Dunguaire must not be left closed indefinitely. While the funding required is significant, it should be seen as an investment rather than an expense, considering the spin-off benefits for the local community and the increases in tourist and employment numbers.

Can the Minister of State outline whether the Government decision not to provide funding to Galway County Council to acquire Dunguaire Castle to bring it up to a safe standard and ultimately reopen it to the public will be reconsidered?

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