£1.3m to help keep museum doors open

August 2001

The Government has come up with £1.3 million to rescue Enniscorthy’s landmark Norman castle from the looming threat of permanent closure.

The money was formally announced by Arts and Heritage Minister Síle de Valera on Tuesday, to the relief of those involved in the running of the museum in the building. Now they are planning a joyful celebration of the castle’s 800th anniversary in 2005.

‘ This is brilliant news. If that money did not come through, then we would have to close,’ confirmed museum chairman, Sean O Cearnaigh. ‘When we have spent the money, the castle will look different, better in every way.’

He warned that the renovations will mean shutting for a few weeks.

The money has been granted under the ACCESS scheme under which the Minister had a total of £36 million for the country. She was persuaded that Enniscorthy Castle should be a priority after representations from the National Heritage Council, and after she paid it a visit herself last year.

‘ This is much better than we expected,’ admitted museum curator, David Carberry, after news of the grant came through. He promised that the money will mean an end to the modern window frames on the ancient castle facade, that have drawn the fire of critics.

He noted that the people of Enniscorthy and district will be expected to raise some money towards the restoration costs too.

The work is due to be completed by end of 2004.