Written answers
Thursday, 30 July 2020
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Office of Public Works
Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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378. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20055/20]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Barryscourt Castle was discovered in recent years to have significant problems with damp penetration which caused the internal electrical system to become inherently unsafe and, as a result, the visitor experience at the Castle had to be closed while extensive rehabilitation works were put in place.
The works project which has been ongoing since involves progressively drying the entire Castle structure and repointing all of the external walls to prevent future water ingress. This work has proved to be technically very challenging and has taken longer than was originally expected due to the discovery of additional works which needed to be performed last year to chimneys and roofs. The restrictions associated with COVID-19 imposed early this season have also had a serious impact on progress on the works. However, the OPW workforce is now back on site and it is envisaged that the work on the south and east elevations can be completed next year, unless a further issue is discovered, during 2021. It is planned, once the external work is completed, that the building will be rewired internally and a new heating system installed, clearing the way for a reopening to the public. Every effort is being made to expedite the works which can only be undertaken in sequence. It is not possible at this time to give a precise date for reopening to the public.
Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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379. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20056/20]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Restoration work, including works to provide safe walking routes, is ongoing at Anne's Grove Gardens to prepare for opening to visitors in 2021.
Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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380. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of operations at a location (details supplied). [20057/20]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Doneraile Court, Gardens and Parklands are open daily. The House and Gardens opened on 29 June, 2020 and tours are being offered to the House & Gardens from 10 am to 6 pm with last entrance at 5 pm. The parklands in the summer open until 8 pm. We recommend that all visitors who wish to go on a tour visit the website first to make arrangements regarding booking tours.
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