Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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432. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of WTE qualified electricians and plumbers, by grade that are employed by the OPW in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30290/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The number of WTE Craft Electricians and Plumbers directly employed by OPW in 2024 and 2025 is laid out in tabular form as follows. To note OPW employs craft electricians and craft plumbers primarily in Building Maintenance Services based in Dublin. There is currently competitions being ran to fill vacancies for craft plumbers and craft electricians, closing date 5.30 p.m, 19th June 2025 (Link: Jobs at the OPW) www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/campaigns/jobs-at-the-opw/.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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433. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider providing the OPW with the necessary resources to take ownership of Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara, County Galway, to restore to it use as a tourist and heritage site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30413/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the conservation, maintenance, and presentation of over 780 National Monuments and 32 Historic Properties nationwide. Although the OPW recognises the historical and cultural value of Dunguaire Castle, the site is not currently in State ownership or designated as a National Monument and as such, does not form part of the heritage estate in the care of the OPW.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the designation of National Monuments and the decision to bring any heritage property into the care of the State. A range of factors are examined when considering a heritage property for State care including the site's historical and cultural significance, conservation requirements, legal title and ownership, and the availability of financial and operational resources to care and present the property.

The OPW remains open to engaging with relevant stakeholders to explore future possibilities for this property should its ownership or designation status change.