Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works is responsible for the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; his plans to improve or restore this monument and make it into a public attraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30327/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works held any discussions with the Department of Defence regarding restoring the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30328/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that they are responsible for the Magazine Fort, which is a protected structure within the Phoenix Park. The Department of Defence has no role in regard to this site.

The primary focus of the Office of Public Works is to protect and conserve the existing buildings and fortifications of the Magazine Fort. It is planned to carry out certain limited refurbishment works that would facilitate public access to sections of the Fort as and when resources become available for this purpose. Anything like full restoration would be very expensive and just not a practical proposition currently.