Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

623. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide a breakdown of expenditure incurred by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on conservation and preparatory works at a location (details supplied) from the commencement of preparatory works in Autumn 2019 to the present date, including; the cost of all works undertaken during this period; the amount spent on preparatory works prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; the duration of the project and reasons for any delays or repeated works; the total projected expenditure for the full completion of the project.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45142/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation and presentation of over 780 National Monuments and 32 Historic Properties nationwide.

Rockfleet Castle (also known as Carrickahowley Castle or Grainuaile's Castle) is a National Monument in the guardianship of the Minister for Heritage and as such, under the care of the Office of Public Works. It is situated within the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Due to the exposed nature of the site, the Rockfleet Castle has always been subject to significant water ingress and in 2019, the OPW initiated a conservation project to address these issues. This project was recently completed in May 2025. The works included the consolidation and repair of the masonry fabric of the Tower house, roof repairs and the installation of new bronze windows and vents.

The OPW applied a shelter coat to the external elevations of the Castle to provide waterproofing and to protect the fabric from further loss and decay. A new rainwater disposal system at parapet level and new downpipes prevent the surface water tracking into the fabric of the building, as it did prior to the conservation works.

The works will ensure that the Castle is protected long-term from the elements and allow safe access for OPW staff for routine maintenance in the future. Repairs to internal floors and internal structural elements are ongoing.

The work was carried out by specialist OPW craft stone masons and carpenters. The project also provided an excellent learning opportunity for Apprentices in both the carpentry and architectural stone masonry disciplines.

The associated spend from 2019 to date is as follows :-

This sum includes a cost of €13,000 for all surveys and professional services, materials including stone, lead and timber to the value of €120,000, €190,000 for the hire of plant and equipment as well as the hire of on site storage facilities and welfare accommodation for staff.

In addition, it was necessary to scaffold the structure in order to undertake the works. This cost approximately €134,500 for the supply, erection, maintenance, dismantling and removal of the scaffold.

In terms of preparatory work, the OPW commissioned surveys and production of drawings and the costs for same were:

2019 €11,500.50

2020 €2,029.50

Plans for Phase 2 of the project, which involves building fabric conservation works to the interior of the Castle, are currently being finalised. It is envisaged that these works will be completed in late 2026.