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Brian Hayes TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan today switched on the lights on the Christmas tree at Kilkenny Castle and officially launched the Christmas Programme of Events for 2011 and a broad ranging number of new tourism initiatives for the Castle and the Kilkenny area in general.

Speaking at the launch Minister Hayes said, "Kilkenny Castle plays a vital role in the socio-economic fabric of this region and represents an iconic image for Kilkenny. Open all-year-‘round the Castle attracts almost 200,000 visitors annually, with an increase of some 5% recorded this year to-date over the same period in 2010. As well as the direct full-time and seasonal employment supported by OPW, many down-stream tourism-related businesses derive huge benefit from the Castle’s operations and generate further significant employment."

The Minister spoke of the exciting Christmas Programme scheduled by the staff at Kilkenny Castle, "this year the Castle has a giant illuminated Christmas tree in the courtyard, Minister Hogan and myself have just turned on the lights! We also have festive choral singers from local schools and societies, childrens’ crafts’ workshops and gorgeous Christmas-themed decoration throughout the Castle’s period rooms. I’m also reliably informed (from the North Pole) that a large man in a red suit will make a special appearance here at Kilkenny Castle on the 18^th December!"

Minister Hayes went on to outline some of the new tourism initiatives being introduced at Kilkenny Castle, he said "today we are launching a new iPhone "app" for the Castle, in addition to new self-guiding leaflets, a new Braille visitor leaflet and tactile visitor route for visually impaired visitors, a new range of interpretation panels to enhance the visitor experience and the availability of a hand-held audio presentation of the Castle’s tour highlights".

The Minister continued: "in addition, several new services will be introduced to the Castle next year during our Spring and Summer programme. Living History demonstrations will take place featuring actors in period costumes. We will host the 2012 Traditional Building Exhibition, in association with the Irish Georgian Society. Also, based on the success of our "Free Access Scheme" this year, I intend to designate Wednesday 2^nd March as Kilkenny Castle Day, when free-entry will be augmented by a once-off series of events and presentations to highlight the history and role of the Castle in the past and present lives of the people of Kilkenny. I would encourage locals and tourists alike to come and experience these special presentations. We also look forward to working in partnership with local groups such as the Kilkenny Archaeological Society and Destination Kilkenny"

The Minister concluded: "Kilkenny Castle and Park are among the finest of the ‘jewels-in-the-crown’ of OPW’s heritage sites in Ireland. While resources remain a challenge, we are committed to providing a top-class heritage attraction which will be a constant source of pride to the people of Kilkenny and a focus for the promotion of tourism. The measures I have announced to-day, and further initiatives in the year ahead, will provide a significant boost to the local and regional economy".