asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Kilkenny Castle is deteriorating at an alarming rate; if he has proposals to have further restoration implemented and if he will make a statement on the matter.
79.
Written Answers. - Restoration of Kilkenny Castle.
78.
asked the Minister for Finance if he has proposals for the restoration of Kilkenny Castle, in view of its vital importance to the tourist industry.
I propose to take Question Nos. 78 and 79 together.
I do not accept that Kilkenny Castle is deteriorating at an alarming rate. The Commissioners of Public Works have carried out and will continue to carry out the necessary works to preserve the structure of the castle. Works of this nature carried out in recent years included the reroofing of some of the unrestored areas and dry rot treatment to some main structural timbers.
Tentative plans for further restoration and for the future use of the areas to be restored have been formulated and these are being considered by the commissioners. The implementation of any such plans would, however, depend on the availability of the funds. A recent proposal from a member of the public to lease an unrestored portion of the castle for use as a restaurant is being examined.