Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
473. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of repair works at a site (details supplied); and when it will reopen to the public. [18306/23]
View answerRepointing and re-grouting are progressing well with the work undertaken by the Office of Public Works District Works Crew. It is a labour intensive task necessary but necessary to dry out the building before internal works can commence. All going well, it is anticipated at this time that re-grouting works will be complete in 2024.
In tandem with this, work has commenced on the next phase of the project which is the upgrade of the mechanical and electrical systems within the Castle. An Invitation to Tender for a suitably qualified contractor has issued with responses currently being assessed. OPW is currently working with expert ecologists and it is hoped that this next phase can commence later in the year subject to the receipt of the necessary Ministerial Consent and Derogation Licences.
The Office of Public Works is mindful of the fact that Barryscourt Castle has been unavailable to visitors and the local community for a number of years. I have asked my officials in the National Monuments division to start work on a re-opening plan for the site to ensure there is no delay when all works are complete and I would envisage that progress will be made in this regard during 2023. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date for reopening at this stage due to the complexity of the ongoing conservation works.
