John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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6. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when work will be undertaken to renew the exterior protective finish of Rathfarnham Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39992/25]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I will not take the full time. This question is just in relation to Rathfarnham Castle and to ask the Minister for an update on it. It is a cosmetic-related question on the upgrading of the exterior of the building and the progress on this work.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy. Rathfarnham Castle was built in 1583 and throughout its long and rich history has been owned by Archbishop Adam Loftus, the founder of Trinity College, Speaker Conolly, and the Jesuit Order. The castle is one of Ireland's oldest Elizabethan houses. For most of the 20th century, the castle was owned and occupied by the Jesuits. The castle was declared a national monument and purchased by the State in 1987. The OPW is responsible for the care and management of Rathfarnham Castle while the lands are managed by South Dublin County Council. Since 1987, the OPW has undertaken an extensive programme of conservation and restoration to secure the historic fabric of the building and has also undertaken works to improve access to the building with the installation of a lift and ramps.

As the Deputy has noted, the exterior of the castle is showing signs of wear and tear. The exterior of Rathfarnham Castle is finished with a substance called lime harling, which was last renewed in 2010. This would normally be expected to last many decades, so detailed assessments have taken place to understand the cause of the wear and tear. To address the issue in the short-term, a sample of the north facade was cleaned in June 2024 to assess whether cleaning the facade was feasible and would be of benefit to the building. Cleaning and repair works are being progressed after a completed sample proved effective. This is a preventative measure to maximise the lifespan of the existing wet dash and lime finish.

This will improve the current appearance of the castle.

In the longer term, however, a full refinish of the exterior is required, along with repair works to prevent this wear and tear. This is a large works project that will necessitate full scaffolding being erected around the building. However, there is a short seasonal window, along with weather conditions, in which the lime harling finish can be applied and these works are not expected to take place until 2027. Funds have been allocated to undertake this project, with a senior architect assigned to oversee the design and completion.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State. Deputy Moran was not in position when I got the last reply, which was this time last year. It repeated exactly what he has said, namely, a weather window would be required to carry out the works and the works would be carried out in 2025, which is this year. The reason I have asked the question is that the weather window has well and truly been with us for the past four or five months. Now, the Minister of State is saying the works will be carried out in 2027. What has changed?

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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To be honest, I cannot say. However, I visited the castle a number of weeks ago and saw at first hand exactly the damage caused.

I will take back with me that the Deputy got a response that it would be done in 2025 and revert to him in writing. I will pursue it because I fell in love with the castle when I went there. It is a fabulous facility.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I appreciate that. I would like an explanation as to why I was told last year it would be done in 2025 with the exact same reason in relation to the seasonality of the work.

It is imperative. The local authority took a decision recently in relation to the land that it controlled, which is in the curtilage of the castle. That was positive news about the development of the outbuildings and the creation of local infrastructure in terms of social and cultural facilities. The renewal of the facade of the castle - that cosmetic piece - is vital.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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In defence of why it did not happen in 2025, and as I said in my report, it is due to weather. The type of material we use to do with the castle is all down to weather. If we do not get the weather, we cannot do it.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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We had the weather.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am not trying to cover for why it was not done but I know it is seasonal.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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That is okay.

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I have this right around the country where people, such as the Deputy, raise the question, but in defence of my Department, I have to say we have a very small window in which to do it. I will come back to the Deputy in writing to give it more flesh.