Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans for a site (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the timetable for seeking planning permission in respect of the revised visitor centre design; the timetable for re-pointing of the keep and completion of internal work outstanding within the keep; the completion of the legalities and consequent handover to the town council of the castle field; the timetable for the design of the drawbridge and other outstanding features of the castle gatehouse. [4583/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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The siting of the proposed Visitor Centre at Nenagh Castle has been re-examined, and Consultant Architects submitted a planning application in December 2008. Providing there are no objections and planning permission is granted, invitations to tender for the works could be issued in May 2009, with work commencing later this year, subject to funding.

Work on the Keep has commenced with inspection works, initial condition assessment and mortar analysis. Scaffolding has been erected and the decking has been completed. Restoration work of its nature is time-consuming and investigatory, and therefore incapable of a precise schedule, but it is estimated that it will take approximately 12-18 months to complete. Works to the interior of the Keep are ongoing, and significant progress has been made.

The perimeter of the Castle Field has been secured for the duration of the works. The Chief State Solicitor has forwarded a draft lease in relation to the transfer of the Castle Field to Nenagh Town Council, which is expected to be finalised, when works are completed. The design and installation of the drawbridge and presentation of other outstanding features of the Castle Gatehouse will follow the conservation works of the Keep.