Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
64. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the exterior works at Rathfarnham Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27345/26]
View answerRathfarnham Castle was built in 1583 and throughout its long and rich history, has been owned by Archbishop Adam Loftus (the founder of Trinity College), Speaker Conolly, and the Jesuit Order. The Castle is one of Ireland's oldest Elizabethan houses. For most of the 20th century the Castle was owned and occupied by the Jesuits. The Castle was declared a National Monument and purchased by the State in 1987. The OPW is responsible for the care and management of Rathfarnham Castle while the lands are managed by South Dublin County County Council.
Since 1987 the OPW has undertaken an extensive programme of conservation and restoration to secure the historic fabric of the building and also has undertaken works to improve access to the building with the installation of a lift and ramps.
The lime harling/wet dash finish on Rathfarnham Castle was last replaced in 2010, and it was anticipated at that time that the finish would last for longer than it has. The finish has deteriorated more quickly than expected, mainly due to issues with water ingress at parapet level and rising damp at ground level.
A detailed condition assessment of the external fabric is the next stage required to ensure the underlying causes of the lime failure are addressed prior to any new lime works taking place. Re-finishing the lime harling without first addressing this deterioration will not deliver value for money. Re-finishing the lime-harling necessities full scaffolding which will have impacts on visitors at certain stages of the works. Therefore it is important that the external works are carefully planned prior to site so as to maximise the use of the scaffolding and ensure it is in place for the minimum time possible. This conservation of Rathfarnham Castle exterior is a complex project that will encompass all of the external building fabric.
In the meantime, while this work is progressing, Rathfarnham Castle continues to welcome visitors daily throughout the year. The Castle's exhibition and events programme is ongoing, with a full Cultural Programme taking place this year.
