Office of Public Works Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2016

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Questions (329)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

329. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the operational status of Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill, County Cork which is in the ownership of the Office of Public Works, including when it will re-open to the public. [17958/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The electrical installations and wiring in Barryscourt Castle have been found to be non-compliant with current regulations and constitute a danger to life for occupants and visitors. To avoid the danger of fire or electric shock, the decision was made to close the Castle until remedial works could be carried out.

The dangerous state of the electrical system is made considerably worse by a significant water ingress problem with severe damp problems in walls and roofs throughout large parts of the structure. The electrical system cannot be replaced until the water ingress problem is first dealt with and this must therefore be the priority. A major project to address this is therefore currently being undertaken. This will involve scaffolding the building in sections, undertaking detailed inspections at a high level to assess fabric condition, re-pointing the walls as necessary, removing the scaffolding to a new section and recommencing the process. This work will be carried out by skilled staff from the OPW National Monuments Service and the first phase of scaffolding the building is currently underway.

Due to the complexity of the work, which can only be carried out on a seasonal basis, the shortage of skilled labour resources within the OPW and the need to at times divert these resources to other urgent/emergency works within the Heritage estate, it is difficult to predict with certainty how long this element of the project will take. However, it is intended that works will continue over the next two years while, concurrently, a new electrical system is designed and procured, ready to be installed by a suitably qualified contractor.

It is hoped that Barryscourt Castle will re-open to the public in about 2 years time.