Heritage Sites

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Ceisteanna (69)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

69. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of complaints received from the unions and safety representatives based at a location (details supplied); the nature of the complaints; his plans to deal with the matters raised; if there is a basic maintenance plan in operation at the site; if the staff toilets and public toilets are adequate and up to standard; the amount of money spent on the provision of an apartment in the location for a caretaker; if the apartment is in use; the cost of security at the site; his views on whether the staff levels including groundsmen are adequate; if he is satisfied with the management structure at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42463/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Kilkenny Castle, one of our nation’s most celebrated historic properties, attracts circa 308,000 paying visitors annually and many multiples of this number visit the parkland.

As with all busy visitor attractions, a wide variety of issues can arise which require ongoing dialogue between staff and management. The management of Kilkenny Castle engages in a timely and proactive manner with staff in relation to all concerns including Health and Safety issues. In the last 12 months, management at the Castle has received two formal communications from a Shop Steward and a Safety Representative. The issues raised ranged from day-to-day operational matters to application of annual leave entitlements for seasonal staff. Management has responded comprehensively to all of the issues raised to date.

There is a detailed maintenance plan for both the Castle and the Parkland, which ensures the site is presented for our visitors to OPW's high standards. Toilet facilities for both staff and visitors are considered adequate with reference to staffing and visitor numbers and this is reviewed annually.

The apartment at the Castle was provided as part of Phase 3 of the Castle restoration project which was completed in May 2000. No further investment has been made in this area of the Castle since. The apartment is deemed unsuitable for use on Health and Safety grounds due to its location (on the top floor of the West Tower, accessed via a medieval spiral staircase with the only emergency evacuation route being over the roof battlements.)

The safety and security of Kilkenny Castle, its contents and the surrounding parkland is an absolute priority for the OPW and security arrangements are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Security expenditure to date in 2017 is €65,661.95.

Staffing requirements at all OPW heritage sites are regularly reviewed with reference to operations and visitor figures as part of our Work Force Planning. The management and staff structure at Kilkenny Castle is in line with all other OPW National Historic Properties.