Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (478)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

478. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of works at Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill, County Cork. [40731/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Works plan for 2022 is to complete grouting the external walls on the South and East of Barryscourt Castle and there is good progress in this regard. It is envisaged that there will still be masonry repairs at a high level to the towers and wall walks but it is thought that these works will not interfere with progressing necessary internal works.

The next phase of works includes the design of new mechanical and electrical systems which has commenced but will need to be tendered and executed.

The Office of Public Works is very conscious that Barryscourt Castle has been unavailable to visitors and the local community for the last number of years. I have asked my officials in the National Monuments division to work on a re-opening plan for the site and I would hope progress will be made in this matter over the coming months. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date for reopening at this stage due to the complexity of the ongoing conservation works.