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

I thank the Senator. Obviously, I note how committed the Senator, other Oireachtas Members, councillors and, more particularly, the community groups in the area are to this issue.

The OPW has long had the policy to seek to reunite the historic Castletown estate. That remains OPW policy. As things stands, the OPW is committed to resolving, as I am, the issues of staff accessing the manor and respects the interests of our staff and the local community while at the same time believing in our responsibility to preserve and maintain this important heritage site. We want to see it reopened but we are very cognisant of the particular issues that arise at the moment. I want to work in a collaborate way with everyone to seek a resolution and I am working on that with my Department and the OPW.

Recent developments, through the working of a pilot scheme, highlight the complexity involved in finding a balanced solution that addresses the needs of all stakeholders. 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 the fine weather and long evenings of the summer. 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 both in terms of the initial situation and the long-term desire as well.