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02 Apr 2026

OPW questioned on restoration work stoppage at Roche Castle in north Louth

The OPW have not been on site in over 12 months according to Louth councillor John Reilly

OPW questioned on restoration work stoppage at Roche Castle in north Louth

Roche Castle at Hackballscross. Cllr Reilly has written to the OPW (Office of Public Works) enquiring when restoration work will recommence

Reporter:

Donard McCabe

02 Apr 2026 8:00 PM

Louth Fine Gael representative, Councillor John Reilly says he has written to the OPW (Office of Public Works) enquiring when restoration work will recommence at Roche Castle, Hackballscross, Dundalk.
Cllr Reilly said that restoration work commenced at the end of 2022 with the castle being closed off and scaffolding being erected, but according to the Dundalk-Carlingford representative, the OPW has not been on site in over 12 months.
This is evident due to the scaffolding still being present with no evidence of further work being done, said Cllr Reilly, who added that he receives regular enquiries from locals asking when further work will be recommenced, as constituents claim that the scaffolding is taking away from the natural beauty and history of the castle itself. 
The building of the castle was constructed by Rohesia de Verdun in the late 1100’s and was a frontier for the ancient Irish Pale.
Cllr Reilly said that the castle has very rich heritage and he is frustrated with what he said is the OPW’s lack of urgency to complete the restoration. 

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