Minister of State Brian Hayes TD has welcomed today's opening, by President Higgins, of Nenagh Castle in County Tipperary.

Minister Hayes, who is Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today gave some background to the history of and recent works undertaken at Nenagh Castle.

He said: "Nenagh Castle has the finest cylindrical keep in Ireland, which formed part of the perimeter of a fortress. It was incorporated into a curtain wall that surrounded a small five-sided courtyard. The walls have almost disappeared but traces can still be seen on the keep and on the gatehouse. The Castle dates to 1200 with later 13th century additions."

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Going on to speak about some of the conservation work that has taken place, Minister Hayes said: "Extensive conservation works to the keep started in 2008 with work to the interior at basement level and continued on up to the roof level. A modern viewing platform has been installed at roof level which visitors can climb to see a magnificent view of Tipperary and its surrounding counties. The opening of this keep is a wonderful addition to the town of Nenagh and I’m sure will attract tourists from all over Ireland, and beyond, to view the fantastic work undertaken by the Office of Public Works."

The Minister concluded: "I would like to pay tribute to all who played a role in this conservation work. The Castle is a National Monument in the ownership of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, and the restoration work was co-funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht under its heritage capital programme. I am sure that everyone who visits this important National Monument will be suitably impressed by the high quality of workmanship that has been undertaken."

(CD)