Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will agree to opening the Desmond Castle in Newcastle West, County Limerick, to the local community for use; if he will report on his consultations, if any, that he has had with members of the local community regarding the use of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17352/11]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I attended a meeting recently with officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW) and representatives of the Newcastle West community. Desmond Castle, Newcastle West, has been available to groups for the holding of events subject to OPW resources being available to open the site outside of normal opening times. It was agreed that liaison persons in OPW and the group would deal with requests for use of the site for appropriate events. OPW made it clear that visits by school groups outside of the normal open season will always be accommodated. Desmond Castle has been a venue for poetry readings, musical and drama events in the past number of years. OPW is anxious, subject to resources being available, to continue this association with the local community.