31 May 2003: Plans to put a roof on Maynooth Castle now seem to have been abandoned, though almost E2 million has been spent on renovations at the historic keep.
According to a Dail reply to Cllr Emmet Stagg from the minister for the environment, Mr Cullen, 'this programme of works is now complete'.
"It is typical of this Government not to finish the job they started," Deputy Stagg said this week. "Phase 1 of the restoration works involved the development of the ground floor vaulted areas for exhibition purposes together with access to the first floor and the provision of small scale guide and visitor facilities. Phase 2, which was dropped by the Government, would have seen the provision of a roof on the Keep of the Castle and an auditorium.
"With an investment of E2 million already made in the castle it makes no sense not to proceed with Phase 2 so that the full potential of the Historic Castle could be achieved in terms of visitor numbers."
Deputy Stagg noted that it seems the Government have no problem in finding 3 Million EURO to buy Countess Markievicz' s old home in Sligo but when it comes to Maynooth Castle 'the shutters are put up on extra funding'.
The minister said some works 'of a minor nature' will take place at the castle this year.
