Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Rathfarnham Castle and its immediate curtilage is under the care of the OPW, while the surrounding parklands and adjacent courtyards and stables are managed and maintained by South Dublin County Council.

The OPW welcomes South Dublin County Council's proposal to enhance the amenity value of Rathfarnham Castle Park for the benefit of local residents and visitors. The proposal is at an early stage and my officials are in regular contact with the team in South Dublin County Council to represent the interests of the important heritage and conservation issues for the Castle, and covering operational matters like access, security, and consideration of the privately operated café.

In conserving and refurbishing Rathfarnham Castle, the OPW identified a historic kitchen area as an ideal location for the café, to ensure provision of a food service facility to visitors in an appropriate setting. The contract for the café is tendered publicly every 3-4 years and will be advertised again in 2024. As South Dublin County Council's proposal progresses, the OPW will work with colleagues in the Council to examine how best to provide café, food, beverage and retail facilities to visitors to the Castle in the future.

Preliminary work is also underway at Rathfarnham Castle to open an exhibition in association with the National Museum of Ireland to showcase the significant archaeological finds uncovered during the 2014 excavations. The diverse historic and amenity offer at Rathfarnham Castle is in an excellent position to grow and attract new visitors to all aspects of the property in the coming years.