17 February 2015

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (17 February 2015) visited Kilmainham Gaol and Courthouse to view the ongoing works.

Speaking at the site Minister Harris said: "I am delighted to be here today to see, at first hand, the works that are being carried out by my office, the OPW, at this very popular and historic site. I am mindful that Kilmainham Gaol is associated with key events in Irish history and it is therefore fitting that this signature capital development will be completed in time for the 2016 centenary commemorations".

OPW works at Kilmainham commenced in 2013, following the handover of the former Kilmainham Courthouse by the Courts Service, and are composed of two separate elements. The first relates to the refurbishment of the former Kilmainham Courthouse and its adaptation for visitor facility and curatorial purposes and the second element of the work relates to the refurbishment of the Museum. An allocation of €5m has been made by Government and the project is one of the permanent reminders capital projects for 2016.

The Minister added: "These iconic surroundings make a powerful statement about a particular period in Irish history and it comes as no surprise that visitor numbers reached almost 330,000 in 2014. I have no doubt that on completion of the project by my Office, the visitor experience and appreciation of the role the complex plays for all will be greatly enhanced."

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Images will be available from www.maxwellphotography.ie

Notes to Editors:

The former Kilmainham Courthouse occupies a site immediately adjacent to the Gaol to the East and this project presents a unique opportunity to create additional capacity to deal with visitors and to provide ancillary curatorial, exhibition, research and welfare facilities. When fully complete, the former Courthouse building will provide new spaces for visitors including a new Reception, Cafe, Exhibition area, Toilets etc. The project will also free up space in the existing Gaol building. The second major element of work is the refurbishment and adaptation of the existing Museum within the Gaol. This was constructed in the mid 1990's and has been the location for all the Interpretation and artefact displays at Kilmainham. The exhibition is particularly outdated however and needs to be completely redone. In addition, the building itself is being upgraded and a new entrance is being provided so that it can meet the significantly increased visitor traffic flow from the new Courthouse / Gaol entrance arrangements.

On completion of the entire project, Kilmainham Gaol and the new Courthouse Visitor facility will host one of the early official events associated with the 1916 Commemorations with a wreath-laying event on Easter Sunday, 27th March 2016.