Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
453. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Kilkenny Castle during 2026, in tabular form. [30014/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, care and presentation of Kilkenny Castle and parkland. In 2025, there were approximately 437,000 ticketed and events visitors to Kilkenny Castle and 723,000 to the parklands.
As indicated in previous replies, the OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the Castle including planned and reactive maintenance works. The OPW is also developing a larger capital works project to deal with universal access and fabric repairs to the Picture Gallery wing.
The table below provides an overview of refurbishment and related works scheduled to be carried out or progressed in 2026.
|
Name of project |
Nature of project |
|
Combined package of maintenance works |
This programme of maintenance and conservation and refurbishment works was undertaken and completed in January this year. It included floor restoration, carpet replacement, specialist cleaning of historic furnishings, deep cleaning work, painting and decorating, room reconfigurations with addition of new exhibition items. |
|
Expansion of gardener's compound and car park |
This project to improve and extend the gardener's compound and associated car park will improve facilities and better provide for health and safety. Preliminary works have commenced and the required consents for further works are now in process. These works will also provide for the install of charging facilities for OPW electric vehicles to facilitate the transition to lower and zero emissions vehicles within our fleet. |
|
Picture Gallery Fabric Repair, Accessibility, landscape and facility upgrade works. |
This planned fabric conservation and facilities upgrade project includes archaeological works, roof restoration and fabric repair work to the picture gallery at the Castle. The project includes repair and replacement of elements of the roof to address issues of water ingress. Universal access measures include a lift to the picture gallery and universal access improvement to the formal garden. The project will also deliver improved toilet facilities and a Changing Places bathroom facility. Associated archaeological works, including works to uncover the remains of the original William Marshall defensive gate tower, will significantly augment the medieval element of the castle’s history. Subject to the necessary consents, it is anticipated that a tender will issue for these works late in 2026. |
|
Temporary Ticket Desk |
A new temporary ticket desk will be installed to facilitate efficient admission, improved visitor experience and reduce queuing time for tickets during busy periods. It is hoped to have the new facility in place this year subject to obtaining the necessary consents. |
|
Playground Upgrade works |
Some of the playground equipment will be upgraded or replaced this year with a Castle Castello system. This is scheduled to take place in Autumn once the busy summer season for the Playground has concluded. |
