Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat honoured that the Minister, Deputy Shatter, has decided to come in to take this Adjournment motion. Castledonovan is a castle in a semi-derelict state but is of some historical importance to west Cork and Ireland. I was a member of the national monument committee of Cork County Council for a number of years and was actively proposing the refurbishment and renewal of Castledonovan for its historical importance. Eventually it was in private ownership and came into the hands of the State. My concern is that a neighbour who lives close to it said it is like a derelict building site. There has been scaffolding erected for ten or 11 years and little progress seems to have been made. My purpose in putting down this motion was to ascertain the facts.

What money has been spent on it to date? When is it likely that the refurbishment work will be concluded? When, if ever, will it be open to the public? What is the situation regarding expediting the work? Is there money there to do the work? I am looking for answers, and I will save some of my fire, if I have any left, for the response. I await the Minister's reply. I would like to have the facts of where we are regarding that project. It is under the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, under the OPW. I raise this out of general concern, not out of any criticism. I frequently pass the castle and it is of some historical importance. I am hoping the Minister can throw some light as to where we are regarding this project.