Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a list of properties in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that are under the ownership of the Office of Public Works; the plans for any remedial works at these sites; if there are plans for Ballymoon Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8274/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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There are 49 National Monuments in the care of the Office of Public Works in counties Kilkenny and Carlow. The Office of Public Works also manages and maintains two National Historic Properties in the area - Altamont House and Gardens in County Carlow and Kilkenny Castle.

All sites are maintained on a regular basis by the Office of Public Works. Conservation works are scheduled on the basis of regular monitoring and available resources, with emergency works being prioritised.

At any one time, nationally, there will be a number of projects ongoing at various stages of design, development and action. Specifically in relation to Counties Carlow and Kilkenny, significant works will be undertaken this year at Dunmore Cave in relation to rock and soil stabilisation at the mouth of the cave, while at Kilkenny Castle works are ongoing to repair lead windows and complete a refurbishment of another interior room to further enhance the visitor experience at the Castle. OPW is also working closely with Kilkenny County Council in relation to works around St Francis Abbey.

At Altamont Gardens, a clean-up of the farmyards is planned in addition to working on the provision of disability parking at the site. It is also hoped to undertake a survey of the wall-tops on Carlow Castle.

Routine maintenance will continue at Ballymoon Castle, a National Monument in State guardianship.

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, preservation and management of approximately 780 National Monuments and 32 Historic properties in State care. For the Deputy’s information, those sites designated as National Monuments under legislation are in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on behalf of the State.

List of heritage properties in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in State ownership and guardianship: