Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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29. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the plans to roof the exposed part of Donegal Town Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38317/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Donegal Castle is a National Monument in State Guardianship. It is situated in the centre of Donegal town, on the River Eske.

Red Hugh O’Donnell built the castle as his personal fortress in the fifteenth century. When fleeing to Spain, he set it on fire rather than risk it falling into English hands. However, English captain Sir Basil Brooke became the castle’s new Lord in 1616, and as part of a massive programme of improvements, built the handsome Jacobean manor house beside the tower.

The Jacobean manor house, fell into disrepair after being abandoned as a residence in the 18th century and has been roofless since. Although reroofing the manor house was considered, it was ultimately decided to conserve it in its current state following stabilisation works completed in the 1990s. There are no current plans to roof the exposed sections of the Jacobean manor house.

The current conservation approach is guided by current best practice and aligns with policy advice of the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This approach favours minimal conservation interventions to preserve the historical authenticity of the monument. The OPW remains committed to the ongoing conservation and presentation of Donegal Castle.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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30. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the plans to roof the exposed part of Donegal Town Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38318/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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This PQ is being answered under PQ 38317/25 - identical question.