461. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the current status of Dunguaire Castle; the actions that have been taken by his Department so far; whether any progress has been made regarding the future ownership, designation, restoration or tourism development of the castle; the engagements that have taken place with stakeholders in this regard. [65102/26]

I participated in a constructive meeting last December concerning Dunguaire Castle, attended by local representatives and officials from my Department, Fáilte Ireland, Galway County Council and the Department of Transport.

The question of bringing Dunguaire Castle into State ownership does not fall within the remit of my Department. Responsibility for determining the appropriate statutory designation, ownership pathway and future custodianship of the property rests with the relevant heritage and local government authorities. In the first instance, this is a matter for Galway County Council and for my colleague Minister Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, including consideration of whether the property should be designated as a national monument. Such a designation could, in turn, provide a basis for any subsequent transfer of ownership or management to the Office of Public Works, subject to that Office determining that such a transfer is appropriate and within its functions.

In the meantime Failte Ireland remains open to engaging with relevant stakeholders for this project to explore future possibilities for this property should its ownership or designation status change.