Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

188. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans that exist for the restoration by the Office of Public Works of the now derelict State-owned Kilmacurragh House, County Wicklow as an important heritage site and to enhance the tourism industry in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49683/14]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the management of Kilmacurragh House and Gardens which are in the ownership of the Minister of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The entire property was acquired by the State for the purpose of preserving the arboretum, which was of significant heritage status, and on condition that the House would not be restored. The OPW is considering options to ensure that the building fabric of the House, which is a Protected Structure, is stabilised to arrest further deterioration.

The OPW is also currently enhancing the visitor facilities at Kilmacurragh by the provision of new tea rooms, before this Summer, and new directional signage will be in place once the nearby motorway works have been completed.

I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this shortly.