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

The core point the Deputy raised about the legal situation and right of access is the kernel of the work being done by the Attorney General at the moment. Other aspects are being looked at, but that is a key element. I hope to have that. A significant body of work is also under way in the Attorney General's office with regard to the personnel and resources involved because we want to ensure that the advice is comprehensive. I know that is also Deputy Durkan's desire.

It remains a strategic objective of the OPW to reunite all the lands of the former estate where they are available for purchase. Engagement between the OPW and the landowner is ongoing. I thank Deputy Durkan for his commitment, along with that of his constituency colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, and other Oireachtas Members, councillors and, especially, community groups in the area. I have got to know the community groups. I see their commitment and passion and I value them. It has long been the policy of the OPW to seek to reunite the historic Castletown House estate. That remains the OPW's policy. We are looking at every option in the context of access. What we want is to get to a point where the issue of staff accessing the house is resolved in the interests of both the staff and the local community. At the same time, it is our responsibility to preserve and maintain the important heritage site. We all want to see it reopened. I am conscious of the issues arising and I want to work in a valid way to seek a resolution. I remain committed to working with all stakeholders in order to establish an access route to the Castletown House estate.

See this speech in context