Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 1162: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken with a view to acquiring additional land near to Maynooth Castle with a view to providing further facilities at this historic site. [21032/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Restoration works, representing an investment of some €2m, have been carried out to date at Maynooth Castle. They have involved a programme of conservation and adaptation works to the ground floor, the provision of access to the first floor and the provision of an exhibition and reception point. This has facilitated visitor access and provided a guide service. The site is now open to the public on a seasonal basis.

I am advised that further facilities, including the provision of toilets, would be required if there was to be greater use of the Castle. Additional lands would be needed to provide such facilities. I understand from the OPW that they entered negotiations to purchase a suitable area of land in 2002. At the time, it was considered that the asking price did not reflect the value of the land.

My Department will explore the possibility of land acquisition for the site in conjunction with OPW. All land acquisitions generally are considered within the constraints of the Built Heritage Capital Budget.