Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the update. I recognise that we were all here all evening and that it was not possible to get the updated position otherwise. The situation is simply this. The local residents who have not agreed to the protocol at this stage are really concerned. They are concerned about Castletown House itself and they want to ensure the works to restore it and that its operation and the way it was available for tourism, educational and amenity purposes will continue in the future. They are equally anxious to get some kind of guarantee that the process now in hand does not prevent or exclude the return to the use of the M4 route into Castletown House. We know this has been the subject of negotiations. It would be helpful, however, if it were possible to get counsel’s opinion as to whether it was possible to go back over the course and negotiate with the owner of the adjoining lands to achieve precisely the route that was previously enjoyed. If this does not happen, and the only route available is the one through the main Castletown gate into Celbridge, this is going to cause a lot of difficulty, angst and concern. I emphasise again that the local residents, local people, have an interest in the historical value of Castletown House and an equal interest in ensuring its restoration continues. The OPW has spent a considerable amount of money on it annually over several years, and hopefully will continue to do. Lastly, I again emphasis the extent to which the residents can be given some indication that the access through the main gates by way of Lime Avenue is not going to become a permanent one, because it simply will not work. I ask the OPW to engage on this particular issue in a very serious way and the rest of the problems can be resolved.

See this speech in context