Immediately after my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for OPW and Flood Relief, I visited Athenry Castle.

The castle was built in 1249 by Meiller de Bermingham and was restored about three years ago using the building techniques which would have been used when the castle was built. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition. There is access to the ground floor of Castle for people with disabilities. There are guided tours of the castle during the summer and it is well worth a visit.

I hope to visit many more OPW managed sites during my tenure as Minister I encourage people to visit these sites which are steeped in history and located so close to us in Galway East.