Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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650. 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. [46934/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 indicated in my previous reply in May, the OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the Castle including planned and reactive maintenance works.

Since May, a number of new projects have been delivered to improve facilities and enhance safety across the site.  Along the River Walk, upgrades were carried out to make the area more accessible and secure, including the installation of additional steps, handrails and level landing areas.  Improvements have been made in the Castle playground where resurfacing works were completed and play equipment upgraded.  

To improve safe access for our visitors, new gates and a safety barrier system have been introduced at two locations as well as a new ramp at the current temporary ticket desk under the archway.

As part of ongoing conservation within the Castle, specialist work has been carried out in the Chinese Bedroom and Blue Bedroom to conserve and restore historic wallpaper.

Further work is planned for the lighting system in the Picture Gallery and this will take place this year. A preliminary investigation into the the cause of water ingress in some areas of the Gallery has now identified the need for some repair or replacement works in parts of the roof.  It is hoped that some of this work can be addressed in 2025.  Some of the necessary roof works may be incorporated into the planned future development works in the Picture Gallery wing. 

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.  This development will facilitate the visitor reception and ticket office being relocated to the area of the old kitchen.  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 Project Team is engaged in detailed design and, subject to availability of technical resources and funding, it is envisaged that this project will be tendered next year.

Preliminary works have also commenced on the existing staff facilities to improve the layout and operation of the area.  These works will provide for charging of OPW electric vehicles which will facilitate the transition to lower and zero emissions vehicles within our fleet.