Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's plans regarding Dunsoghly Castle, Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30672/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Dunsoghly Castle is a National Monument in State ownership and is maintained by the Office of Public Works. Discussions are ongoing in respect of the surrounding lands in relation to securing additional space for the purposes of carrying out necessary conservation and safety works to the Castle which would be an essential prerequisite for any future visitor development. Currently, a response is awaited in respect of certain legal issues to progress that.

The development of visitor facilities at the Castle is not a priority for the OPW and the Office has no plans currently in that respect.   However, it is my understanding that interest in addressing this need has in the past been expressed locally and that the conservation and safety works proposed by the OPW will facilitate the progression of this local development in the future.