Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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102. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the plans for the proposed new visitor centre development at Trim Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5129/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is committed to enhancing the visitor experience at our national heritage sites, and Trim Castle, a National Monument in State care, is one of Ireland’s most significant medieval landmarks and a key priority in this regard.

The development of a new Visitor Experience Centre at Trim Castle is part of a broader strategy to improve access, interpretation, and engagement at the site. The proposed centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for visitors, including interactive exhibits, educational resources, and enhanced accessibility features. It will also serve as a hub for cultural and community events, further embedding Trim Castle as a focal point for heritage and tourism in the region.

The OPW, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including Meath County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is working to ensure that the development aligns with the historical significance of Trim Castle while meeting the needs of modern visitors.

The Part 8 Planning Order was granted on the 8th February 2024 for the new Visitor Centre at Trim Market House, Trim, Co. Meath. Trim Market House is situated within the Trim Castle National Monument, being built partly over the castle moat and backing directly on to its curtain walls. A Design Team was appointed in late 2024 to undertake the detailed design for the project and produce the required tender documentation. Investigations and surveys are in progress to prepare the drawings and documents necessary and the OPW envisages issuing tenders before the end of 2025.

The planned Visitor Experience Centre at Trim Castle represents a significant investment in our national heritage and tourism infrastructure. It will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute economic benefits and cultural vitality to the region.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is committed to enhancing the visitor experience at our national heritage sites, and Trim Castle, a National Monument in State care, is one of Ireland’s most significant medieval landmarks and a key priority in this regard.

The development of a new Visitor Experience Centre at Trim Castle is part of a broader strategy to improve access, interpretation, and engagement at the site. The proposed centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for visitors, including interactive exhibits, educational resources, and enhanced accessibility features. It will also serve as a hub for cultural and community events, further embedding Trim Castle as a focal point for heritage and tourism in the region.

The OPW, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including Meath County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is working to ensure that the development aligns with the historical significance of Trim Castle while meeting the needs of modern visitors.

The Part 8 Planning Order was granted on the 8th February 2024 for the new Visitor Centre at Trim Market House, Trim, Co. Meath. Trim Market House is situated within the Trim Castle National Monument, being built partly over the castle moat and backing directly on to its curtain walls. A Design Team was appointed in late 2024 to undertake the detailed design for the project and produce the required tender documentation. Investigations and surveys are in progress to prepare the drawings and documents necessary and the OPW envisages issuing tenders before the end of 2025.

The planned Visitor Experience Centre at Trim Castle represents a significant investment in our national heritage and tourism infrastructure. It will not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute economic benefits and cultural vitality to the region.