I am aware of the motion passed by South Dublin County Council in October 1998 requesting my Department to fund a full archaeological excavation and restoration of the outbuildings at Rathfarnham Castle. My Department has no funds available to cover the preservation of national monuments other than those in the ownership or guardianship of the State and the outbuildings at Rathfarnham Castle are largely owned by South Dublin County Council. I should add, however, that the State has undertaken substantial capital works at Rathfarnham Castle itself at a cost of some £2m to date.
I am sure the Deputy is aware of the proposal by Rathfarnham Courtyard Developments Limited to develop a modern hotel and bar complex on the site in question. Such a development is considered inappropriate as it demonstrates a lack of sensitivity for the National Monument status of Rathfarnham Castle and outbuildings and undermines the historical integrity of the demesne, which has already been seriously encroached on. Accordingly, my Department lodged a strong objection to the proposed development and planning permission was subsequently refused by the local authority. I understand that Rathfarnham Courtyard Developments Limited have now appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála whose decision in the matter is awaited.
My Department has entered into discussions with South Dublin County Council to try to agree a plan for this site which is mutually acceptable to all concerned. In the meantime, I am extremely concerned about the condition of the outbuildings which are in a severe state of dilapidation and I would urge South Dublin County Council to undertake urgent remedial works in consultation with my Department to prevent further deterioration of the buildings, given the National Monument status of the site.
