Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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575. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided to illuminate Nenagh Castle and its surrounding at night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20935/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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There are a number of aesthetic and practical considerations involved in deciding whether floodlighting of National Monument sites in the care of the Office of Public Works is either feasible or appropriate.  In general, OPW Heritage Services do not provide funding or install new floodlighting systems as a matter of policy. 

Any decision to floodlight any heritage site will seek to strike the right balance between the concerns of sustainability and economic, social and environmental needs.  In addition, the long-term maintenance of any installation and associated operational costs are significant factors.

Currently, there are no plans to install a floodlighting system at Nenagh Castle.   However, the OPW is pleased to be working with Tipperary County Council in the development of a new 'Nenagh Historic Quarter' which will encompass a number of historic sites of interest including Nenagh Castle.  The plan is at concept stage at the moment. Public lighting and lighting of the public realm will be considered in the context of the development of this plan.