Local TD Denis Naughten has received confirmation from the Office of Public Works that the recently refurbished tower at Roscommon Castle is expected to be open to the public by Easter.
“While the opening will be dependent on any possible Covid restrictions in place, the office of public works expects that the south-facing tower which overlooks the park will be open to the public by Easter,” said Denis Naughten.
“Refurbishment and access works have now been completed on the tower, which is part of a larger project that has seen close to €500,000 spent on works in Loughnaneane Park. This work has included the lighting of the castle, improved footpaths, a bandstand and additional carparking.”
The timber overlay steps which are in place to protect the original ancient stone stairway in the castle tower were individually sized and crafted by OPW skilled carpenters and apprentices at the National Monuments Athenry Workshops while the safety handrail was supplied by a local engineering firm.
Denis Naughten added: “Visitors wishing to view the refurbished tower once it is opened will need to be accompanied and I understand the OPW expects to partner with the Roscommon Community Tourist Volunteer Group to facilitate this.”
ENDS.
Editor’s Note: Dail reply below.
QUESTION NO: 105
DÁIL QUESTION addressed to the Minister of State at Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Patrick O’Donovan T.D.)
by Deputy Denis Naughten
for WRITTEN ANSWER on 21/01/2021
To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for the opening to the public of the recently refurbished tower by the OPW at Roscommon Castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY.
I am delighted to confirm that refurbishment and access works to the south-facing tower of Roscommon Castle overlooking the town park have now been completed. This 13th Century Castle is an important National Monument and visitor attraction for the area. The timber overlay steps to protect the original ancient stone stairway and provide safe access were individually sized and crafted by the OPW skilled carpenters and apprentices at the National Monuments Athenry Workshops and the discrete safety handrail was supplied by a local engineering firm. This project was part of a coordinated development with Roscommon County Council who extended visitor parking and provided flood lighting for the Castle and I would like to acknowledge their assistance and support.
For health and safety reasons, visitors to the recently refurbished south west tower of Roscommon Castle must be accompanied. OPW expects to partner with the Roscommon Community Tourist Volunteer Group to assist with this and it is hoped, at this stage, that visitors can access the tower about Easter this year. This is dependent on a number of matters not least of which might be Covid 19 pandemic requirements at that time.