Office of Public Works

Thursday, 5 May 2022

Questions (137)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

137. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the detailed breakdown of works carried out on the entrance hall of Kilkenny Castle and associated costs of those works. [22499/22]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

In 2020, arising from the COVID19 pandemic, the OPW closed its heritage visitor sites to the public, in line with Government guidelines. Kilkenny Castle remained closed during this time and this offered a unique opportunity for the OPW to upgrade parts of the Castle interior while there were no visitors in attendance. These upgrades included painting, necessary maintenance works, and upgrading of lighting.

Works carried out specifically in the entrance hall of Kilkenny Castle comprise of walls being painted green; two plinths were made to display urns; four chairs were refurbished; one display case was fabricated; antlers and swords, which are on loan, were put on display and a lantern was replaced with another which was in storage.

Associated costs are not currently available due to a temporary technical issue with the OPW finance system but will be furnished directly to the Deputy as soon as the finance system is accessible again.