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

Question 264: To ask the Minister for Finance further to Question No. 168 of 7 July 2009 and previous related questions, the extent to which the outstanding and contentious issues have been addressed or resolved arising from his visit to Rathcoffey Castle, County Kildare, earlier in 2009 and his discussions with the various interested parties; if any resolution put forward is expected to have current or retrospective effect; if the issue of ongoing litigation has been addressed in this context; if it is intended or expected to achieve public access on specific or agreed days or weekends throughout the year; the degree to which he has had discussions with all the interested parties with a view to reaching an amicable settlement; if he has the power to make an order to resolve the issues in a fashion satisfactory to all involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Gate House at Rathcoffey Castle was placed in the guardianship of the State in 1941. Guardianship, as defined in the National Monuments Acts, confers on the Commissioners of Public Works the responsibility for the maintenance of the structure only and does not affect the owner's property rights relating to the property. The guardianship deed did not include provision for a public access route.

Earlier this year, I visited Rathcoffey Castle, and met with local interest groups concerning their desire to access the property. I also met with the landowner who was prepared, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, to facilitate public access under strict conditions on agreed dates that would not impinge on his farming operation. As a result, the Office of Public Works co-ordinated and advertised an open date for 24 September 2009. It is intended to hold similar arrangements into the future.