asked the Minister for Finance when it is proposed to commence restoration work on the Desmond Banqueting Hall, Newcastle West, County Limerick which has been under the care of the Office of Public Works for some years now and is in a dangerous state of repair.
Written Answers. - Restoration of the Desmond Castle Banqueting Hall (Limerick).
52.
The Desmond Castle Banqueting Hall was acquired by the Commissioners of Public Works in 1981. Subsequently some minor repair and maintenance works were carried out. A major conservation scheme is proposed involving the re-roofing of the building, extensive masonry works to the tops of the walls, conservation of the tower, repairs and repointing of the walls and repairs to windows and doors. The project will take a number of years to complete. The commissioners are at present reviewing their national monuments programme and I cannot say at present whether this work will be commenced this year or whether it will have to be postponed to a future year.