Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chair and committee colleagues for the opportunity to speak. I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on his role. I hope not to make his first time as Chair a testy one.

I also commend the Minister of State on the commitment he has shown recently, in a very collaborative spirit, to work towards a solution in Castletown House that is agreeable to all stakeholders. I will start with a point because I mean it sincerely. Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen progress that I do not think we have seen up to this point. That is thanks to the Minister of State, the OPW and, importantly, the dedicated people on the ground who care so passionately about this land. I want to preface what I say about Castletown House with that.

As a new Deputy, I fully agree with what the Minister of State is saying in terms of looking forward and progressing together. I, along with many others, was not a member of the committee when this happened. There is nothing personal; this is our opportunity to learn. Why did the OPW not successfully buy Castletown domain in 2021?