Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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278. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the visitor numbers to each visitor attraction operated by the Office of Public Works each month in 2023 and 2024; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5683/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage. The OPW strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances our remit to protect the heritage assets with the provision of informative and excellent guided visitor experiences, modern interactive interpretation and ensuring inclusive access for all visitors.

My officials are currently evaluating and auditing 2024 Visitor Data. Once the information has been collated in the coming weeks, I will respond directly to the Deputy and this data will be published online.

The annual visitor data for 2023 is available online at the following link, and is set out in tabular form on the attached document.

gov.ie - Office of Public Works welcomes strong visitor numbers at its heritage sites in 2023

Joe Cooney (Clare, Fine Gael)
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279. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of the investment that has been made in the development and management of the OPW sites at Scattery Island and the Ennis Friary, County Clare in 2024; the investment planned for the sites in 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5684/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) remains committed to the ongoing investment, development, and management of Scattery Island and Ennis Friary, County Clare, with plans in place for further works in 2025 and 2026 to enhance these important heritage sites.

Scattery Island

Scattery Island, or Inis Cathaigh, is located approximately 20 kilometres east of the mouth of the Shannon Estuary and two kilometres southeast of Kilrush. It is legally protected as part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the River Shannon and Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. Acquired by the State in 1991, the island is now a National Monument in State care under the responsibility of the OPW.

The OPW operates a guided visitor service on Scattery Island from May to September, supported by a visitor centre on the island. In 2024, the island welcomed 4,271 visitors, who travelled by boat to explore its rich 1,500-year history.

In 2024, the OPW invested €152,681 in the refurbishment and conservation of "The Street," a row of cottages, as well as the restoration of two farmsteads and the former Keane summerhouse. Further development of the visitor offering is planned for 2025 and 2026.

Ennis Friary

Ennis Friary, a National Monument (No. 170), has been in State ownership since the late 19th century. Founded in the early 13th century by the O’Briens of Thomond, the Friary houses an exceptional collection of 15th- and 16th-century stone carvings, including a striking representation of St. Francis displaying the stigmata.

The OPW operates a daily guided service at Ennis Friary from March to November, and in 2024, the site welcomed 15,425 visitors. The OPW continues to focus on enhancing the visitor experience at the Friary.

In 2024, €17,056 was allocated to a complete overhaul of the exhibition signage, including internal displays, external wayfinding panels, and directional signage. A new accommodation unit to support OPW staff was installed on site in 2025 at a cost of €82,803.30. The OPW will continue to maintain and conserve the site in 2025 and 2026, with further improvements planned for staff welfare facilities. New information panels will be introduced in 2025 to enhance visitor engagement and understanding of the site's significance. Additionally, Clare County Council is extending the car park adjoining Ennis Friary to widen the entrance and improve visitor access.

The OPW remains dedicated to the conservation, maintenance, and promotion of Ireland’s iconic heritage sites. Through strategic investment in Scattery Island and Ennis Friary, we are ensuring these historically and culturally significant sites are preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.