Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and acknowledge that it is the first time he has come to the House to address us.

In my Commencement matter I call on the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to let us know whether he plans to develop Desmond Castle in Kinsale as an interpretative centre, given the national and international significance of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. As he is very much aware, Kinsale has an awful lot going for it as a tourism town. It is the start of the Wild Atlantic Way and has many attractions, including good food. This morning I will focus on the historical element.

Kinsale dates back mainly to the battle of 1601, which was one of the most pivotal in Irish history. It had an international element because not only did Irish forces fight the Crown forces, over 1,000 Spanish soldiers were involved in the siege and battle. The Spanish Government is very much aware of the battle and has been proactive about it. We need to step into the space and have an interpretive centre in Kinsale in order that we can promote the battle site. The centre could become a focal point not alone for Irish and other European visitors but also international visitors from the entire world to learn what happened during the battle and siege.

Desmond Castle is a unique structure located in the centre of Kinsale. It has been closed since September 2017. It housed a wine museum which is now closed. The castle could be considered by the OPW for use as an interpretive centre, thus allowing us to embrace everything Kinsale has to offer. In many ways, it has been blessed by the hand of history and geography. We have an historical building that could be used as a very important interpretive centre which would benefit Kinsale and the entire western seaboard.

I put it to the Minister of State that we should put a plan in place and ask the OPW to consider using building in the way I have suggested. We must see what we can do to engage with the local chamber of commerce, as well as local businesses and tourism stakeholders, to put an interpretive centre in place. The initiative would have the effect of adding another string to our bow. We would also celebrate what really was one of the most significant battles in Irish history. As I said, there is a national element, but the international element must also be highlighted as there is a story to be told. We have the building and the story. All we need are the funds and drive by the Government to ensure we can deliver on the real potential of the castle and Kinsale.