asked the Minister for Finance the steps which are being taken to ensure the preservation of Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin 14; and the use which is to be made of the castle by the State following its acquisition.
70.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rathfarnham Castle.
5.
asked the Minister for Finance if funds will be provided to carry out the necessary renovation works on Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin 14; and, if so, when these works will commence.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 70 together.
As indicated by the Minister for Finance in his reply to the Deputy's question on 15 March 1988, Official Report of 15 March 1988, Question No. 77, column 82, a scheme of works designed to arrest the incidence of dry rot at Rathfarnham Castle has been completed by the Commissioners of Public Works. A security firm has been engaged to safeguard the premises; leakages in the structure have been eliminated and regular inspections are undertaken by the commissioners' maintenance staff. A further scheme of restoration work is being drawn up at present and work will commence in early summer. Funds have been provided to carry out these works. When completed it is the intention of the commissioners that, in consultation and collaboration with other interested parties, the property will be utilised for cultural, amenity and educational purposes consistent with the character of the castle and its environs.
Would the Minister of State indicate whether there is to be any demolition of any part of Rathfarnham Castle or its ancillary buildings in the course of this development scheme? Can he also say what will be the final usages to which the castle will be put with or without the involvement of other groups?
A recommendation has been made by other parties that part of the ancillary structure of the castle should be demolished. The Commissioners of Public Works are at present giving that matter consideration. However, I should say that a clearer plan is being drawn up for this year which will envisage the expenditure of £180,000 on renovation works. We cannot take a definite decision pertaining to the castle without co-operating with Dublin County Council who own part of the building and an adjoining four-and-a-half acres. Consequently, any decision we take will be in consultation with them. While we would welcome any imaginative proposals I can assure the Deputy that we intend to ensure that the castle will be utilised for cultural, eductional and other amenity purposes.
Would the Minister say whether it is proposed to sell any of the land on which this castle is situated in the future? Are there any such proposals?
There was a recommendation on a number of occasions over the past two years to the effect that the castle should be disposed of in its entirety, but the Government and Commissioners of Public Works consider it to have such a high amenity value that it should be preserved. There are something in the region of eight acres of land adjoining the castle and, while options exist for its better use, by disposal or exchanging some of it, that would be a matter for consideration.