Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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161. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the refurbishment works scheduled to be carried out at Kilkenny Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27770/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, care and presentation of Kilkenny Castle and parkland. In 2024, there were approximately 417,000 ticketed visitors to Kilkenny Castle and 780,000 to the parklands.

As I indicated in my previous reply on this subject on the 3rd April, the OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the Castle including planned and reactive maintenance works. Further maintenance works on the lighting in the Picture Gallery will take place this year. Improvement works will take place on the River Steps along with general painting and redecorating work throughout the buildings this year.

Preliminary investigation of the cause of water ingress in some areas was conducted in January and identified the need for some flashing and slate repair or replacement on certain roofs. It is expected that some of this work can be addressed in 2025. Some of the necessary roof works may be incorporated into the future development works in the Picture Gallery wing.

Archaeological investigation works were conducted last November to investigate sub surface conditions to inform the engineering approach for conducting the forthcoming development works as part of the major development project.

The OPW has secured planning permission for major conservation and development works to improve accessibility to the Castle. These proposed works will facilitate universal access which includes provision of a ramped approach through a gradient landscape. The project will also incorporate a new lift access to the Picture Gallery as well as a Changing Places bathroom facility. As part of the major development works, the OPW plans to carry out fabric repair work to the Picture Gallery. Section 57 consent has been obtained from the Local Planning Authority for these works. The project team is engaged in detailed design and subject to availability of technical resources and funding, this project will be tendered next year.

A number of new projects to improve facilities and enhance health and safety across the site are also planned for implementation this year. These include upgrading equipment and resurfacing in the playground area within the Parklands. New gates and a barrier system at two locations are being designed to improve health and safety. Works will also be carried out on the existing staff and contractor’s car park to add accessible spaces and to provide for charging of Electric vehicles which will facilitate the transition to lower and zero emissions vehicles within the OPW fleet.