The Office of Public Works is a key service provider to Government, managing the State's estate portfolio, maintaining and presenting Ireland's built heritage, and leading the State's flood risk management function. Under the current National Development Plan, the OPW has secured a record allocation of €1.845 billion, encompassing flood risk management, State property management, and the conservation of heritage assets in support of regional tourism. The OPW's capital programme is therefore one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county.
Under Estate Management, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of government properties, including offices, Garda stations, and other public service buildings. This includes energy efficiency upgrades and compliance with health and safety and climate obligations. New construction and fit-outs are also undertaken to meet evolving service needs, alongside property acquisitions and disposals as required.
Across the OPW estate ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities often identify areas where more substantial interventions are needed, leading to planned preventative capital works. These projects are designed to proactively address emerging issues, extend the lifespan of assets, and optimise their performance. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
With regard to capital projects completed by Estate Management in the last five years in Kilkenny, some examples are, Thomastown Garda Station Cell upgrade, Kilkenny Government Office Fire upgrade and roof repairs works, Bennetsbridge Garda Station roof.
Heritage Services projects focus on the conservation, restoration, and presentation of nationally significant sites such as Kilkenny Castle and Jerpoint Abbey. These works include structural repairs, preservation of architectural features, enhancement of visitor facilities, and archaeological investigations. The OPW’s efforts ensure that heritage assets are protected and accessible, supporting both cultural preservation and regional tourism. Recent capital projects include the window replacement at Kilkenny Castle and site safety enhancement at Dunmore Caves. Please find list attached in tabular form as requested.
Flood Risk Management is another core pillar, with the OPW leading the planning and delivery of flood relief schemes in conjunction with the local authorities. In Kilkenny, this includes major flood defence infrastructure and collaboration with Kilkenny County Council to protect communities from flood risks. The work in this area is vital for the protection of property and public safety. Much of the major capital projects work on the Flood side is ongoing including projects at Ballyhale, Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch, Piltown and Freshford. The Flood Risk Management County Summary provides updates and can be viewed at the following link by selecting Kilkenny: www.floodinfo.ie/county-summary/.
Should you, Deputy, have a particular capital project in mind or wish to discuss any aspect of our planned preventative works in greater detail, I would welcome the opportunity to engage directly. Please feel free to contact me so we can address your specific interests and ensure your concerns are fully considered.
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Year
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Project Name ( Capital works over €0.2m)
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Status
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Delivered in line with Budget and timeline
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2022
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Thomastown GS - Cell upgrade
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complete
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Yes
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2022
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Kilkenny Castle - window replacement
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complete
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Yes
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2023
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Kilkenny Government Offices -Fire upgrade works
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complete
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Yes
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2023
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Bennetsbridge GS - roofworks
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complete
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Yes
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2023
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Dunmore Cave - upgrade
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complete
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Yes
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2025
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Kilkenny Government Offices - Repairs Block 1 & 2
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complete - retention due
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Yes
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