Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will initiate discussions with the Office of Public Works and Dublin City Council to ensure that Mountjoy Square Park, in light of its importance to the cultural heritage of Dublin city, is taken in charge by the Office of Public Works to ensure its sensitive renovation and remediation, particularly as the square has a central part in the history of Dublin and deserves to be a resource for all the persons of Dublin and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Mountjoy Square Park is a fine example of an 18th century Georgian urban park and is of significant architectural importance not least because it is the focal point of the only surviving Dublin square that is actually square being an equal length on each of its four sides. The square lies at the northern end of the eighteenth-century core of the city and was one of the great set-pieces in the development of north Dublin by the Gardiner Estate.

The park is an integral part of the square and I understand that it is included in an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) currently in preparation by Dublin City Council . Survey work has been completed and historical research and mapping are being undertaken at present. Consultations between the Council and stakeholders are due to commence shortly, and will be followed by a statutory public consultation process before the ACA can be adopted by the Council. The park is owned by Dublin City Council, and is maintained by locally based staff of the Councils' Parks Department. As currently laid out, it serves as an excellent amenity resource, in particular for local residents and those working in the vicinity. Accordingly, the issue of Mountjoy Square Park being taken in charge by the Office of Public Works does not arise.