Urgent Appeal for State Support to Restore Dunguaire Castle

Calls for state support have intensified this month to secure the future of Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara, recognized as one of the “most iconic castles along the Wild Atlantic Way.” The castle has been closed to the public for two years. Galway County Council stated it cannot acquire the castle from the Shannon Group without government funding to facilitate essential repairs.

Cllr Paul Killilea of Fine Gael described the prolonged closure as a continued setback for Kinvara. He urged the Council to explore all avenues to prevent further deterioration of the historic site. “The longer the site remains closed, the further into disrepair it falls,” he warned, advocating for an expedited process to reopen Dunguaire Castle.

While there is national support for this initiative, Council officials acknowledged that funding remains a significant hurdle. “We won’t send the Christmas card until we get a cheque in the post,” they remarked, underscoring the need for financial backing to proceed with repairs.

The castle’s closure has been attributed to ownership issues, which became “stuck in limbo” in August 2023, when the planned transfer from the Shannon Heritage Group to Galway County Council stalled. The Council has repeatedly affirmed it will assume responsibility for the castle once central government funding is secured.

Government Discussions Ongoing

During a recent Council meeting, officials confirmed that pressure continues at the national level. “We have a meeting with the Minister in the coming weeks,” they stated. A detailed breakdown of required costs has already been provided. The Council plans to tender for the necessary work as soon as resources are allocated from the Department of Tourism.

The matter gained further attention in the Dáil, where Deputy Louis O’Hara from Galway East expressed frustration over the government’s inaction regarding the castle’s closure. He highlighted that residents of Kinvara feel neglected, emphasizing the need for immediate government intervention.

In discussions with Minister Niamh Smyth, O’Hara pointed out that existing grant schemes are insufficient to cover the costs associated with restoring Dunguaire Castle. He noted that grants in the range of €50,000 to €100,000 are inadequate for the extensive work needed.

Galway County Council has submitted a specific funding request of €5 million, backed by a strong business case, and O’Hara insisted that the government must take decisive action. “The ball is in the Government’s court, and you need to step up to the plate,” he stated.

O’Hara further elaborated on the challenges faced by the Kinvara community, citing the long wait for road safety improvements, a lack of housing, and insufficient facilities at the local school. He stressed that the government must prioritize delivering essential services and infrastructure for the residents of Kinvara.

As discussions continue, the future of Dunguaire Castle hangs in the balance, with local leaders and residents eager for a resolution that secures the castle’s restoration and revitalizes the community.