asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to ensure that the public have ready access to Rathcoffey Castle, County Kildare, which is a public monument; if his attention has been drawn to recent measures by the current owner of the lands contiguous thereto to impede access; the action, if any, he will take to restore public accessibility to the castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Access to County Kildare Castle.
31.
The Trustees of Clongowes Wood College placed Rathcoffey Castle in the Guardianship of the Commissioners of Public Works in 1941. Guardianship makes the Commissioners responsible for maintenance but it does not affect the owners' rights. The Guardianship Deed did not include provision for a public access route to the monument. The land subsequently changed hands and I understand that the present owner has fenced his property thereby preventing the public from using an avenue to the site. While I would like the public to have access to the monument I am not aware if there is any public right-of-way to it.