Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will develop Ormonde Castle, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary as a significant heritage site including the building of a visitor centre, bus and car parking facilities and a new entrance roadway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12940/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Built in the 1560's Ormonde Castle is perhaps the best example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland and as such is an important element in the Heritage Sites of Ireland programme presented by the Office of Public Works. The site is generally open to the public from mid June to mid September.

A number of initiatives have been put in place in recent times to increase the numbers of visitors to the site. In 2006 a decision was made to remove all admission charges to the site. This initiative led directly to visitors to the site increasing by 26% over 2005.

In January of this year my officials met with the representatives of the Carrick on Suir Tourism and Economic Development Committee. Following on from this meeting OPW has agreed to extend the 2007 visitor season at Ormonde Castle until the end of September. It was also agreed that should visitor numbers continue to increase that for the 2008 season consideration will be given to opening the site to visitors from early May. The meeting with the committee also discussed issues such as car and bus parking which are of concern to OPW but are matters which can only be addressed by the local authority.

I think the Deputy will accept that significant efforts have been made in recent times to increase visitor numbers to Ormonde Castle and while the efforts of OPW will continue in this regard there are no plans to provide a separate visitor centre at the site.