Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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91. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a site (details supplied) in County Kerry; when the works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20768/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Substantial conservation works are underway at Ballymalis Castle, necessitated by the need to remove inappropriate cement and concrete from the structure and to resolve a range of structural issues. The building is in fragile condition currently and needs significant stabilisation works.

Work on the project commenced over a year ago when scaffolding was erected. This facilitated the collection of samples so as to devise a suitable historic mortar and the identification of appropriate sources of stone. The access facilitated by the scaffolding also enabled the survey and planning work necessary for such a significant and intricate project and was necessary in order to complete the required application for Ministerial Consent required under the National Monuments Acts for such works. Detailed assessment had to be carried out with recording on each floor as part of the documentation for Consent.

Works to the Castle are now underway but currently most of the activity is internal, on the ground floor. This is a substantial undertaking and it is anticipated that the project will take up to a further five years to properly complete. When complete, the works will facilitate much improved and safe access for the public.

I accept the points raised in relation to signage at and on the approach to the site. The Office of Public Works (OPW) will erect a sign at the start of the fenced public access path alerting potential visitors that the castle cannot be accessed as works are ongoing but that they can if they wish go as far as the end of the access path. The OPW will also move the information plaque to just outside the site so that it can be read whilst looking at the Castle should any visitors choose to go and view the Castle from a short distance.