Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be happy to look at this on a case-by-case basis. The Office of Public Works approaches these issues with a view to wanting to engage with the community. We are very reliant on community support. The success of the OPW in presenting our heritage is based on this collaborative approach between community organisations, local authorities, Fáilte Ireland and the Office of Public Works. I am grateful to my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, for introducing a scheme in 2013 whereby some of the funds generated at our heritage sites can be ploughed back into further investment in them. This had never previously been available to the office of Public Works, and we are beginning to see significant progress in a number of areas. We look at specific community events on a case by case basis, with an effort to try to be helpful where possible.

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