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

Initially, I would like to be associated with the tributes to the late and former Deputy, Senator and Minister, Mary O'Rourke. We all knew her well in this House. I think I was elected to the House before her. She was a personality and she and both sides of her family made a huge contribution to public life in this country, over a long number of years. We should all realise that.

I thank Deputy Wynne for taking the Chair. I appreciate the fact that the Minister of State is making every effort to resolve the problem, and many people, including the OPW, are looking for a temporary solution.

5 o’clock

In this matter, there can be no temporary solutions. We all know that. A temporary solution was found approximately 15 or 20 years ago whereby the then adjoining landowner agreed to allow access to and from the M4, as well as to allow car parking, etc. It was a temporary solution which worked well until one year ago. It was temporary, however. I emphasise to the Minister that there is need now for a permanent solution. I know the area very well. I should know it because I live only a couple of miles away from it. I have known it all my life. If we do not resolve the issue permanently this time, it will not be resolved at all. The estate will fall into disrepair. It will be beyond repair. That is the thing we wish to avoid at all costs.

The use of what is known as Lime Avenue for access onto the main street in Celbridge is not a runner. It will never be accepted by the local people and it does not make any difference. I have spoken with business people as well as with local residents in the area, who are all of the same opinion.

I wish the Minister of State well. We are expecting great results from him over the weekend. We expect a legal opinion on the feasibility and, once and for all, whether the State has the right to visit its own house.

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