Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle.

It continues to be the strategic objective of the OPW to reunite all of the lands of the former Castletown estate. The OPW remains open to negotiations with the landowners to purchase all or that part of the subject lands. In line with a commitment I gave to the working group, I met with the owners to discuss this further. Engagement between the OPW and the landowner is ongoing.

The OPW and I are also engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in order to have the most comprehensive and up-to-date legal advices available to it on access routes to the estate and rights of way. This is something Deputy Durkan has emphasised. This engagement is ongoing and I expect to have the advice to hand very shortly. There is intensive work under way on that and I am personally engaged in it.

I believe all stakeholders want to see Castletown House and estate, and the OPW's team, welcoming both visitors and the local community to enjoy all that Castletown has to offer. I can see that there is clearly a broad desire to find a resolution here. The OPW and I are committed to working with all stakeholders to find a resolution in terms of the immediate situation and a long-term solution too which is just as important. I want to see in the short term whether I can get the staff back in to repair the grounds. The Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, has raised the run and the practical matters for people.

The OPW remains committed to endeavouring to acquire lands that formed part of the original estate when they become available in order to reunite the historic demesne. We are also looking to see about access by way of leases. I am very open on this issue. Equally, returning to Deputy Durkan’s core point, access to property owned by the State is a fundamental point. I wish to assure the Deputy that I remain fully committed to working with him and for everyone on the working group and all stakeholders to find a resolution here. I am here today to take this debate and every question he has put down, I am here because I know how important it is. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his indulgence.

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