Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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31. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a site (details supplied) in County Kerry may be made more accessible for wheelchair users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39434/14]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry, is a National Monument in State care under the management of the Commissioners of Public Works. All works and maintenance carried out at the site are governed by relevant National Monuments legislation.

The Castle itself is medieval with original features and as a result is a very restricted site. Ingress for all visitors is through a main gate followed by a walk up an incline to the reception door. Access to the upper levels inside the Castle is by way of a spiral staircase set into a very narrow stairwell. Due to the associated health and safety concerns, access to these levels is by guided tour only with a maximum of 15 people per tour.

While I recognise my Office's responsibilities under the 2005 Disability Act to ensure that heritage sites under its care are, in as far as is practicable, accessible to people to disabilities, Ross Castle is exempt under Section 29 of that Act. While every effort is made generally to provide for maximum access it is not possible to make the site more accessible to wheelchair users without interfering with the fabric of the structure.