Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2019
155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry will open off season (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52677/19]
View answerAccess to Carrigafoyle Castle is facilitated from early May until the end of September annually.
During the off-season, it is not considered advisable to open this site. This is due to serious Health and Safety concerns. Both the car-park and pathway are liable to flooding. In addition, underfoot conditions both inside and outside the Castle can be variable. Inside the Castle, there are uneven floors and steps which, in the absence of lighting, become a major health and safety concern. The Office of Public Works is not in a position to improve lighting at the Castle because there is no electricity on site. Due to the prohibitive cost envisaged in getting power onto the site and the requirement to obtain Ministerial Consent which may not be forthcoming as there are no conservation works involved, it is not intended to install lighting at the Castle.
