Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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316. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW intend developing the facilities at the Dún Aonghasa site on Árann which attracts many thousands of visitors each year to provide a safe and good visitor experience there and in particular to provide better access to the fort, segregated off-road parking for bicycles, horses and carriage, buses and cars including staff vehicles and adequate signage; the progress made with such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44778/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is committed to developing the facilities at the Dún Aonghus Visitor Centre on Árann. The OPW-run Visitor Centre marks the entry point to the dedicated pedestrian route to the Fort, which is a walkway or circa 1km leading to the ancient Dún Aonghus site itself.

In 2023, the Dún Aonghusa Visitor Centre had 144,153 visitors. The OPW is currently delivering a capital works project to upgrade the Visitor Centre with an expected completion date of Q2 2025. This is being delivered as part of the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, a partnership between the OPW, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

The capital project currently on site provides for:

• a new interpretive exhibition in the Visitor Centre exhibition space
• improved external signage and interpretation at the Visitor Centre
• a redesigned reception and ticketing zone
• improved staff welfare and accommodation facilities
• improved visitor movement and circulation through the centre and on to the Monument,
• compliance with building regulations, health and safety standards and DAC requirements
• improved or new external signage at a number of Monuments located on the Aran Islands

• the creation of a new multilingual phone app to enhance the self-guiding experience and provide extra information about other sites locally
• increased online capacity for virtual interpretation of remoter sites on Aran Mór, Inis Oírr & Inis Meáin