Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 434: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the established free public access to Castletown Estate, in Celbridge, County Kildare is not restricted in any way and that when work is completed on the restoration of Batty Langley Lodge that the walk way exiting at the Leixlip end of the estate is reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32209/10]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 463: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the intentions of the Office of Public Works to erect a boundary fence to Castletown House and estate in Celbridge, County Kildare; the cost of this project; and if he will intervene directly with the OPW not to interfere with the public rights of way in this manner. [32981/10]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 434 and 463 together.

The Office of Public Works has spent considerable funds on the development of Castletown as a major national heritage site since its acquisition in 1994. These developments are ongoing, more recently with significant capital investment in conference and banqueting facilities and upgrading of the landscape funded by Fáilte Ireland. This investment recognises the potential Castletown holds both as a museum and as a venue for a range of cultural, state and social activities.

In recent time, there has been a significant increase in anti-social behaviour on the estate. Examples included fires being lit, irreparable damage done to trees, and expensive machinery set on fire. Native habitats have been destroyed with consequent loss of wildlife. The anti-social behaviour occurs mainly at night-time. The impact of these activities, on the protection of the House and Demesne, and the continued development of the property and the amenity value for all visitors, is most worrying. OPW is very concerned about late-night activities and vandalism to the grounds. Two recent and very serious incidents may leave the State open for claims. In the interest of safety and enjoyment of visitors and the protection of the national historic demesne, the OPW is now obliged to review its current policy of allowing local access to the estate outside of normal dawn to dusk hours.

With regard to the specific issues, raised in question 463, regarding a boundary fence, I am advised that the Office of Public Works is anxious to have clearly defined, delineated and protected boundaries between privately and publicly owned lands at Castletown Demesne.

By and large, Kildare County Council, rather than the Office of Public Works, owns most of the property along a line between the Castletown Demesne and private households. The OPW encourages the Council and local groups to agree all issues in relation to securing their common boundary and the erection of appropriate fencing. As a practical gesture and encouragement to these efforts, the OPW has indicated its willingness to contribute towards the cost of erecting an agreed boundary fence. The Office of Public Works would not interfere with any established rights of way.