Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Monuments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

138 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she will confirm that Carrigafoyle Castle, Ballylongford, County Kerry, is in State ownership; if she will further confirm that it is on the Heritage Council's buildings at risk register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16996/00]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

Carrigafoyle Castle is in State care having been placed in the guardianship of the Commissioners of Public Works in 1937 by its then owner. Notification was received in the following year that the owner had died and that the new owner was resident in England. There has been no correspondence with the owner since then and, despite efforts in recent years to establish current ownership, this still remains uncertain.

I have been advised by the Heritage Council that Carrigafoyle Castle in not on its register of buildings at risk, but Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, has recently undertaken a survey of the castle in order to establish its current condition. The preliminary results are now being examined and, as resources become available, it is proposed to undertake appropriate conservation works to facilitate safe access for visitors.