Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1423: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent to date on the restoration of Castletown House, County Kildare; the details of the phases of work carried out to date; the remaining phases to be carried out; and the cost of same. [25907/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Prior to 2000 and the commencement of the current national development plan three phases of works were carried out at Castletown as follows: restoration of the fabric of the main block and the replacement of the entire roof, including the rebuilding of the chimney and parapet, completed in 1995; mechanical, electrical, fire prevention and security works including certain structural repairs, completed in 1998; structural works, site services and finishes in key areas completed prior to the reopening of the house in 1999.

The total expenditure for these three phases was €6.825 million. The following works were carried out from 2000 to date: repairs and re-roofing of the colonnades, re-laying of the steps at the entrance and works to the walls and steps at the rear and repairs to the ha-ha fences; re-roofing of the west wing; The cost of these works totalled €3.21 million. Total expenditure on this project to date is therefore €10.035 million.

Plans are in hand for improved perimeter security, estimated at a cost of €570,000; and structural strengthening of the main staircase and landing, estimated at a cost of €570,000. It is proposed to commence both of these elements before the end of the year. The above figures do not include works to the farmyard buildings, which amounts to approximately €20,000 to date, and other minor works.