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

290. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the future proposals for the further development of Castletown House and Estate, Celbridge, County Kildare; if this includes proposals to build a perimeter fence for the whole estate; and the estimated cost of such a fence. [2752/14]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

306. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there are plans by the Office of Public Works to erect a fence at the Castletown Demesne in Celbridge, County Kildare; if so, the extent of the proposed fence; the money allocated towards construction; if the planned design includes access points for residents in adjacent housing estates or any other access points: when construction is expected to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2865/14]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 306 together.

The main house, east and west wings at Castletown House have been refurbished by the OPW. The historic features and pathways on the lands owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) have also been restored. Restoration of the farmyard buildings has commenced and will continue as future funding permits.

Castletown House demesne is open to the public every day of the year by way of the Celbridge gate between 6.45 am and 19.45 pm from October to March, between 6.45 am to 21.15 pm in the months of April and September and between 6.45 am and 22.15 pm from May to August. These opening hours are displayed on the gate.

There are no detailed current plans to erect fencing at Castletown. However entry onto the desmesne outside the times referred to above, which essentially means the hours of darkness, is of concern and it is the primary objectives of the OPW to protect the health and safety of members of the public entering onto the property and the already considerable State investment at Castletown. It is neither practical nor economic to provide a 24 hour warden service. The OPW concerns are shared by Kildare County Council and discussions are ongoing between both organisations on how best these concerns can be addressed. Appropriate measures may include fencing proposals but no decision has as yet been taken in this regard.