Written answers
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Heritage Sites
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to refresh and refurbish the exterior of Rathfarnham Castle (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12530/24]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The exterior of Rathfarnham Castle is finished with a substance called lime harling, which needs to be refreshed periodically. This is a large works project which will necessitate a full scaffold being erected around the building.
There are additional works that are required to the parapets and roof which can be carried out at the same time as the lime harling. However, there is a short seasonal window in which the lime harling finish can be applied, to allow for weather conditions, which means that these works are likely to take place in Spring 2025. Funds have been allocated to undertake this project, and a senior architect has been assigned to oversee the design and completion.
In the meantime, OPW is conducting testing to verify the success of localised cleaning for the summer of 2024.
Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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294. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 282 of 22 March 2022, the progress made and the steps he has taken to improve ventilation for staff who work in the basement area of the Swiss Cottage in Cahir, County Tipperary; if his attention has been drawn to the fact the basement area has no mechanical ventilation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12643/24]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Swiss cottage is a National Monument in State Ownership under National Monument number 647.
The Office of Public Works is committed to providing safe workplaces for its staff at all times and is already aware of the concerns raised by staff in relation to air quality at the Reception area of the Swiss Cottage.
The area in the basement remains functional with no deterioration of fabric or environmental quality. There continues to be ongoing monitoring of the site in regards to air quality in the basement area. There are no immediate plans to introduce additional mechanical ventilation to the structure which forms the National Monument. This would be a highly invasive and obtrusive action which would require ministerial consent and cause significant alterations to the fabric of the building and its presentation. The basement area of Swiss Cottage will be used as a reception area only and staff can alternate between working on the reception area and giving guided tours therefore minimising the period of time spent in the basement.
To further reduce the amount of time being spend by staff in the basement area, I am pleased to advise that a mobile welfare unit is in situ for Guide staff to use as their welfare accommodation. This mobile unit has a kitchenette area and toilet facilities. This alternative guide facility is located at the base of the historic steps.
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