Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 177: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his proposals in respect of Castletown House, Celbridge, County Kildare, its grounds and associated buildings; the discussions that have taken place with local interest groups in regard to the future of Castletown, with particular reference to the availability of the grounds to the general public and its use as a local amenity; if discussions are ongoing in relation to these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are several parties involved in the management of the lands at the Castletown demesne and environs. The Office of Public Works manages the House and adjacent buildings at Castletown and approx. 120 acres of the original 550 acre demesne. Coillte owns some 120 acres of woodlands of the original demesne, Kildare County Council (KCC) has taken in charge some 25 acres approx. on the south side of the river and the balance of land surrounding Castletown is owned by a private company.

The current programme of development works being undertaken at the House by the Office of Public Works involves a significant investment in upgrading the visitor facilities and services in the main house and in the west wing. The aim is to bring the facilities and the presentation of the House up to modern standards befitting one of the major heritage sites in the country. The current works are part of a planned phased development programme that will see, ultimately, the creation of a significant enhanced public amenity at Castletown. One of the main elements in this will be the development of the OPW managed grounds at Castletown together with the adjoining lands owned by KCC and Coillte into an integrated public parkland area with linked pathways across the river and through the woods. Other aspects of the works are summarised in the attached appendix.

There has been considerable ongoing discussion with local residents and other interested parties on the works programme at Castletown. From the outset OPW held several meetings with resident groups and kept local interests informed insofar as possible of what was happening and what was planned. It is acknowledged that there has been some concern expressed recently by certain people in the area at the lack of access due to the closure of the Celbridge Gate for renovation work. This was necessary for health and safety reasons. The OPW has endeavoured to assure people that there will continue to be public access to the Castletown grounds and, as indicated above, it is planned to considerably enhance the public walking amenities in the grounds and surrounding lands. In the interest of proper traffic management and public safety, it is planned that the main traffic entrance to Castletown will be from the M4 motorway.

Appendix

Castletown House — Summary of Works

The two historic vistas to Connolly's Obelisk and to the Wonderful Barn have been re-opened during the winter and spring. This has been achieved by the OPW with the co-operation of the two landowners who own the land upon which these vistas exist. The Obelisk has been made a National Monument and a 2 year conservation project on it has commenced. The objective is to achieve public access to the viewing platform in the Obelisk subject to conservation and health and safety issues being resolved. The Batty Langley Lodge which was acquired by the OPW in December 2006 will be conserved commencing in the autumn of 2007 in collaboration with the Irish Landmark Trust. Planning permission was sought and received from Kildare County Council in 2005 to extend railings around the Main House. These railings will help to protect the House from anti-social behaviour and damage. A new Entrance Gate and railings will be erected at the Celbridge Avenue entrance; this will incorporate two dedicated pedestrian entranceways to coincide with re- opening of House on the 22nd of July, 2007.

A new exhibition space has been created in the Main Block of Castletown House for temporary exhibitions and will open in July with a prestigious exhibition called Art of the State "Journeys" with artworks drawn from the OPW's State Art Collection and the Department of Finance and Personnel, Northern Ireland's Art Collection. A new Café/Restaurant will re-open in the West Wing of Castletown and be managed by Claire Hanley Catering. There will be new Visitor Service facilities for visitors to include a new Reception and Ticket Office, space to leave buggies, coats, bags etc. In time, and depending on the availability of funds, it is planned also to redevelop the East Wing of the House into a conference and event venue.