There are five castles in County Kildare which are in State ownership or guardianship. These are Kilteel Castle, Rathcoffey Demesne, Grange Castle, Jigginstown House and Maynooth Castle. There are a further five castles listed on the record of monuments and places for County Kildare.
Kilteel Castle and Rathcoffey Demesne are regularly monitored by my Department and I am satisfied that both sites are in a good state of preservation and, as such, there is no need for work to be undertaken at either at this point.
In the case of Grange Castle a major conservation and presentation project was commenced under the EU Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999. I fully expect that this project will be fully complete and open to the public in 2002.
With regard to Maynooth Castle the Deputy will be aware that major adaptation and conservation were completed recently at this site. Once this site is fully operational in 2002 my Department will make a determination as to the level, if any, of additional works required to ensure its successful operation.
In relation to Jigginstown House I have provided funding of £500,000 under the national development plan to allow a major conservation project to be undertaken at this important site. In advance of any conservation work it is necessary to complete an archaeological assessment of the site. A contract for this work has been placed and I fully expect work to commence at an early date.