John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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406. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the Garda House in Ballylongford, County Kerry will be put on the open market for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61251/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW), like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure & Reform (DPER) Circulars:

• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets.
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property.

• Firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
• Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
• Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.

Alternative State use for the former Garda residence at Ballylongford is currently under consideration by a State Body. In the event that the alternative use does not proceed and no other State use is identified for the property the former Garda residence will be prepared for disposal by public/online auction in line with the above policy.

Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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407. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration is being given to extending the opening season for Athenry Castle, given the large number of visitors to the castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61460/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation and presentation of 33 National Historic Properties and over 780 National Monuments nationwide, including Athenry Castle. The Castle is a well-preserved example of a 13th-century tower house that forms an important part of Ireland’s medieval heritage.

The OPW determines the opening arrangements for each site based on a range of factors, including visitor demand, conservation needs, staffing resources, and health and safety considerations. The objective is to ensure a balanced approach that provides public access while maintaining the integrity and sustainable management of each monument.

At present, Athenry Castle operates a seasonal opening period consistent with other a number of other heritage sites, typically from early spring to early November. Visitor numbers are at their highest between May and August, with a marked reduction during the later months of the year.

In light of these factors, the OPW considers the current seasonal model to be appropriate. However, the operational framework for Athenry Castle, including opening dates, is kept under ongoing review as part of the OPW’s national planning for heritage services and public access.

At this time, the OPW has no plans to extend the opening season for Athenry Castle, but future consideration may be given should visitor trends or operational resources allow.