Calls to restore Maynooth Castle and turn it into tourist attraction fall on deaf ears

There have been fresh calls to give the home to the Kildare branch of the Geraldines, Maynooth Castle, another revamp more than 16 years after work on the first phase of a planned two-phase restoration job was carried out.

Just under €2 million was allocated to the restoration work in 2000/01 as part of a plan to turn it into a tourist attraction, with ground vaulted areas and first floor access secured and the provision of small-scale guide and visitor facilities being implemented in the castle. Phase two of the Restoration works would have seen the provision of a roof on the keep of the castle and an Auditorium.

Kildare North Labour Representative Emmet Stagg raised the issue with Minister of State Sean Canney for the need for phase two restoration works to Maynooth Castle, with a view to promoting Maynooth Castle as a tourist attraction in view of the Ancient East Campaign.

The Minister advised Mr. Stagg that there are no plans currently to do any works at Maynooth Castle. The building is in a good state of conservation and continues to be maintained in good order by the Office of Public Works, but no capital investment to create new visitor facilities is contemplated at this time.

Maynooth currently operates as a seasonal site, open to visitors with a Guide Service from mid-May until the end of September. As a heritage asset therefore within the Ireland’s Ancient East area, it will, in tandem with all the other Heritage sites managed by the OPW, continue to be available for visitors and for suitable special events and will remain a contributor to the local tourism economy.

Mr Stagg has described Minister Canney's response as disappointing in that the Government is not interested in developing the true potential of the Castle for the people of Maynooth and visitors to the area and he vowed to press the minister on this issue.