COUNCILLORS have criticised the Office of Public Works (OPW) over the closure of Desmond Castle in the heart of Kinsale, which has been off limits to the public for the past seven years.

The castle has been closed since 2018 and requires a full programme of fabric repair and refurbishment works due to water penetration issues, which were considered a risk to visitors.

Several surveys have also been completed on the building including mechanical and electrical, a digital survey of the castle and a full building fabric report.

In reply to a query about progress with the refurbishment works, the OPW acknowledged the letter but could give no update.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) described the response from the OPW as ‘very disappointing’ and said this wonderful tourist attraction remains closed when it is ‘smack in the middle of Kinsale’.

Cllr Marie O’Sullivan (FG) pointed out that it’s advertised as a tourist attraction in the middle of the town but remains closed. She said she will bring this up at the next Tourism SPC (Strategic Policy Committee).

Meanwhile, an open forum on the future of Desmond Castle was held in the Temperance Hall in Kinsale, which was organised by Kinsale History Society.

Its members have been vocal about the delays in reopening this important building in the heart of the town, which they have said has enormous potential to be a significant heritage attraction.

The group has submitted proposals to the OPW for a major Battle of Kinsale interpretative centre and the retention of elements of the Customs House and Wine Museum. A spokesperson for the OPW said the castle, also referred to as the French prison, was closed ‘for appraisal’ and the OPW was in the early stages of planning conservation works for the building.