Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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107. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the refurbishment works scheduled to be carried out at Kilkenny Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15973/25]

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate the Ministers of State on their new roles. I have not had the opportunity to formally congratulate them previously.

I am seeking an update on the refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Kilkenny Castle.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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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.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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You could not get better advertising than that. When he mentioned getting the cheque book, I looked at the man on my right and he smiled. We all know, particularly those of us in government, how important Kilkenny Castle is to the economy and to Kilkenny. The OPW has invested hugely in it and will continue to do so. As I stated, there are some good projects coming down the line that will enhance the experience for visitors. We will continue to do that.

I will gladly work with the Deputy and other Members in relation to this matter. The Deputy referred to the castle as a jewel in the crown. That is the case with all our national monuments. When we think of what the castle does and provides, we can see that it is of enormous value. The weather has been very good over the past week. People have been talking about flooding, but the weather has been good for the visitors.

I agree with the Deputy's suggestion. Everyone should get into their cars and travel. I encourage that them to do so.

Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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If people want to cycle, they can do so. That is not a problem. In Kilkenny, we are proud of our heritage, history and culture. The continued investment in Kilkenny Castle is most welcome. As stated, over the course of the summer, I would love to welcome the Minister and the Ministers of State to Kilkenny city. We will take a tour of the castle. They will be able to explore everything that is brilliant about our wonderful city.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am invited to attend many events. I appreciate the offer. I have to go up and down the country to look at flood schemes. I assure the Deputy that I have been in Kilkenny Castle. I met with my team yesterday to discuss a number of different projects. Kilkenny Castle was at the top of the list. We are investing heavily in the project. I will always support Deputies coming to my Department and, in particular, to me to discuss projects like this.