asked the Minister for Finance when restoration work will be completed on Ross Castle, County Kerry; the progress that has been made to date on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Ross Castle (Kerry) Restoration.
468.
The following works have been done at Ross Castle to date:—
Conservation of bawn walls and towers; restoration of original entrance; rebuilding of internal cross wall to support vault; major masonry repairs and removal of modern infill in the smaller chambers; major repairs to vaults, windows and doors; replacement of cut stone at doors and windows; removal of concrete roof which was endangering the building.
The services of consulting structural engineers were engaged in connection with the consolidation of the structure and the work of rebuilding most of the facade has started in accordance with their plans. This rebuilding is a painstaking process and is being done in stages each covering a wall area of approximately 10 ft. high by 3 ft. wide. When the four facades are consolidated windows will be inserted. The top vault must then be repaired and rebuilt in places and given structural support along its length with reinforced concrete beams. After this the existing walls supporting the vault will be removed to a level where tie bars will be put in and tightened. A floor will then be inserted at this level to tie the building together. When the major consolidation has been completed the roof and parapets will be restored. Final repair works to the interior will then be undertaken. These works are extensive and time-consuming but it is hoped to have all stages completed by 1990.