MAYNOOTH, 6 February 2002: by Trish Whelan. Deputy Emmet Stagg is furious at the refusal of the Minister for Arts Sile de Valera TD to sanction Phase 2 of the Restoration works to Maynooth Castle which involves a new roof on the Keep of the Castle and an auditorium.
Maynooth Castle is historically associated with the Fitzgeralds and is located at the entrance to Maynooth College and St Mary’s Church.
The Castle was re-opened to the public in 27 July last year after much refurbishment by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Plans for an exhibition on the story of the Castle is at an advanced stage and the Minister is confident it will be in place early this year.
The Minister has recently reiterated her position that the need for any further works will be assessed once the exhibition is installed this year. This assessment, she said, will look at the site in terms of visitor numbers and facilities.
However, Deputy Stagg says a feast of history exists in this area and to leave the Restoration works unfinished is nothing short of a disgrace.
©2002knn