Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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29. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address an issue (details supplied) with regard to Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30728/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works provides guided services at 70 historic sites nationwide, admitting almost 5 million visitors last year. These sites are operated either on a full-time or a seasonal basis and include nationally and internationally known locations such as Newgrange, Clonmacnoise and the Rock of Cashel. OPW also facilitates public access at about 300 open National Monument sites such as Carrigafoyle Castle where visitors are free to enjoy sites on an unaccompanied basis. Given that these sites are unmanned, it is difficult to be precise about the number of visitors. However there is no doubt that they form an important part of the Cultural and Heritage offering to tourists all around the country.

The cost of presenting Guided Heritage sites represents a considerable commitment by the State, the direct wage costs alone for which will amount to over €7.3m in 2016. Obviously OPW cannot hope to maintain a full Guided presence at all locations. At unmanned sites the objective is to provide site safety so that visitors can enjoy them in their natural state. As the Deputy is aware, the Carrigafoyle Castle site is in a semi ruinous condition and safe access is not feasible to all parts. Additionally, it should be borne in mind that the nature of the location and the underfoot conditions at certain times of the year, and in certain light levels, mean that it is not always feasible for visitors to walk the site. Taking everything into consideration, including staff costs and demands on resources elsewhere, it is not proposed to provide a guide service to this particular Monument at this time.