Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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323. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the sale of lands in proximity to Castletown house in Celbridge (details supplied); if the OPW intends to inspect the lands with a view to expanding on and protecting its own holdings in the area; and if he will provide a schedule of planned upgrades and additions to the existing Castletown house and lands. [38978/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Strengthening the integrity of the Castletown Demesne is an ongoing objective of the Office of Public Works and as such this matter is kept under constant review as part of the ongoing management and development of the Castletown House Estate. The OPW is fully familiar with the lands to which the Deputy refers. As this is a matter of ongoing consideration, it would not be appropriate to provide any further comment at this time.

Regarding the schedule of planned upgrades and additions to the existing house and lands, the restoration of the Tom Connolly Room is now completed with conservation works planned for the Pastel Room. The historic windows of the great house are currently being conserved and restored. Works are ongoing on the consolidation and repair of the estate wall at the Batty Langley Gate.

The OPW is also in the process of conserving the farmyard complex at Castletown to provide new visitor facilities with exhibition and event spaces. It is anticipated that works will commence here in 2023. Preparations are also underway to provide improved parking facilities for visitors.