Historic Dunguaire Castle in Kinvara faces ongoing funding challenges
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SIGNIFICANT funding challenges persist for the reopening of Dunguaire Castle as Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally confirmed that considerable work is happening “behind the scenes” to secure the future of the historic Kinvara landmark.
Mr Conneally made the statement at a recent Galway County Council meeting, where Cllr Geraldine Donohue (Ind) pressed for an update on the castle, which has remained closed since 2022.
In correspondence seen by the Connacht Tribune, the council confirmed that formal requests for capital funding have been unsuccessful.
It said the council continues to actively engage with relevant State bodies regarding the transfer of ownership of Dunguaire Castle from the Shannon Heritage Group.
A meeting is scheduled with the Director General of the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the newly appointed CEO of the Shannon Airport Group to discuss the matter.
It has also been confirmed that dates are being explored for a meeting with the Assistant Secretary General of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
However, the correspondence states that both the OPW and the NPWS are “not in a position to provide funding of this nature”.
“Formal requests to secure capital funding have not been successful,” the correspondence stated, “with both the OPW and NPWS currently indicating that they are not in a position to provide funding of this nature.”
Galway County Council has said it will only assume responsibility once government funding is secured.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Donohue reiterated her frustration over the ongoing closure of the castle.
“It is not like we have to build the castle,” she said. “They only have to reopen it and repair it.”
The council has reaffirmed its commitment to the project and said it is “working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to identify viable pathways”.
“Engagement is ongoing,” the correspondence said, “and opportunities for further advancement are being explored”.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.