David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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85. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Question No. 9 of 23 September 2021, the further progress that has been made on works to repair a property (details supplied) in Carrigtwohill, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21400/22]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister of State outline the progress made in the refurbishment of Barryscourt Castle near Carrigtwohill? The Minister, Deputy McGrath, is probably aware of this castle although I am not sure whether he has ever visited it. It is an amazing building that was built around 1550. The Office of Public Works, OPW, is doing amazing work and recently opened up Annes Grove House and Gardens in the area, which is fabulous. What progress is being made and when might we see Barryscourt Castle reopened to the public?

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I will answer this question on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, this morning as he is attending a funeral.

The works plan for 2022 is to complete grouting the external walls on the south and east of Barryscourt Castle. It is envisaged there will still be masonry repairs to the towers and wall walks at a high level, but it is thought these works will not interfere with progressing necessary internal works. The next phase of works includes the design of new mechanical and electrical systems. This phase has commenced but will need to be tendered and executed.

The Office of Public Works is very conscious that Barryscourt Castle has been unavailable to visitors and the local community for the past number of years. The Minister of State has asked his officials in the national monuments division to work on a reopening plan for the site. I hope progress will be made on this matter over the coming months. However, sadly, it is not possible to give a definitive date for reopening at this stage due to the complexity of the ongoing conservation works.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response and for indicating that work is ongoing. I understand it is complicated. It is a very old building and the conservation rules are quite demanding. I would be grateful if the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donovan, to whom I have spoken about this, could impress upon those involved the importance of this particular building to local tourism. It very much links in with Fota House, Fota Island Resort and the town of Cobh. I know the Minister, Deputy McGrath, will be visiting Cobh tomorrow morning. These all link together and it is a shame this particular castle has not been available for quite some time. There is also an extensive garden, an orchard and so forth. It is a real gem. Perhaps the Ministers could visit it when they are on their summer vacations and have a look. It is hidden away and I really want to see it reopening as soon as possible, as does the local community.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I am familiar with Fota, although probably not as familiar as Deputy McGrath beside me. Barryscourt Castle has been extensively restored. A lot of work has been done. The main hall and the great hall have been completed and fittings and furnishings have been reinstated. As the Deputy has said, within the castle grounds there is a herb garden, a knot garden and an orchard. These have been restored according to the original 16th century design. The castle is extremely old and dates back to somewhere between 1392 and 1420. It has an outer bawn wall and corner towers that are largely intact. It is one of the finest examples of a restored Irish tower house. The ground floor of the tower house contains a dungeon into which prisoners were dropped via a drop hole located on the second floor. The Barrys supported the Fitzgeralds of Desmond during the Irish rebellions of the late 16th century. To prevent it being captured by Sir Walter Raleigh and his army, the Barrys had partially to destroy the castle. That is some of the history.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response, his interest and his comprehensive narrative with respect to the castle's history in which he mentioned the murder hole and other things that are in there.

It is an amazing building. Obviously, it is imperative. I know the OPW is doing its best. It is doing great work around the country. I just want to emphasise the importance of this particular building and to get it open as soon as possible. I thank the Minister of State for his response.

Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I will impress upon the Minister of State, Deputy O’Donovan, the importance of this building for local tourism. I will convey the Deputy’s sentiments to him.