Written answers
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Commemorative Events
Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in relation to the 1916 commemoration projects with which the Office of Public Works is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/15]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously indicated to the Deputy, the Commissioners of Public Works have a particular role in relation to the Commemorations plans that arises from the responsibility they have for the care and maintenance of National Monuments and certain other Heritage properties in State care.These are, in many cases, iconic locations and important in the context of the forthcoming Commemorations.
The Commissioners also have an operational role in relation to supporting the various planned official Commemorations events with logistical support and organisation which is derived from their long experience at similar events and this will be an important element of work for them throughout 2016.Logistical support for the various official projects is ongoing. OPW has delivered a number of key State events recently, including the O'Donovan Rossa commemoration and the State funeral for Thomas Kent for example, with planning well underway for the remainder.
The following are the details of the various plans and projects with which the OPW is involved through these various roles.
| Site | Details |
|---|---|
| Kilmainham Gaol | ·Development of new Visitor Centre at the former Kilmainham Courthouse (Complete early 2016) ·Restoration of the roof of the East Wing at the Gaol (Complete) |
| St Enda's / Pearse Museum, Rathfarnham | ·Programme of restoration of the l8th/l9th century follies dotted around the Park which were used by Pearse in the staging of dramatic pageants. (Complete) ·Continuation of the programme of exhibitions and events underway since approx 2010 at the Pearse Museum and Park at Rathfarnham. (Ongoing) ·Permanent exhibition on the life of Pearse. (Complete 2016) |
| Arbour Hill | ·Essential restoration and necessary works to the site (works to start onsite shortly; complete by end 2015) |
| Garden of Remembrance | ·Universal Access works (works underway; complete by end 2015); ·Conservation works at the Children of Lir statue (conservation works to begin immediately). |
| Pearse Cottage | ·Provision, by Udaras na Gaeltachta, of a new Visitor Facility and Cultural Centre at Pearse Cottage site (which is Managed by the OPW), including a new Exhibition. ·Programme of new Universal access works at the Pearse Cottage. |
| Mac Dhiarmada Homestead | ·Major structural / roof renewal / thatching project in 2013. ·Leitrim Co Council planning the development of a carpark at the Mac Dhiarmada site; ·Visitor Facility provided in nearby Kiltyclogher by local volunteer Group with OPW support. |
| National Concert Hall | ·Refurbishment of Kevin Barry Room to be completed in March 2016. Related access routes to be completed during 2016. |
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