Office of Public Works

Thursday, 17 June 2021

Questions (143)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

143. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress of the Office of Public Works project at Carlow castle. [32329/21]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy is aware, extensive damage was caused to Carlow Castle in February 2020 as the result of a storm. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that the base of the collapse was constructed on clay foundations which has had major consequences for the safe repair and reconstruction of this section of wall. OPW is currently working to secure an appropriate method of ensuring that the tower can be made safe for the future.

Ballasts, needed to provide stability and balance, are now in place as is a temporary roof. Once the temporary works to prevent further damage are signed off, the next phase of design will commence. This will involve surveys and archaeological investigation at the base of the structure to assess it's current condition. This will inform the repair methodology going forward. It is too early at this stage to predict what the results of these surveys and investigations will be.