Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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311. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason an OPW-controlled tourist attraction such as Boyle Abbey has a shorter opening season than other OPW venues such as King House in Boyle or neighbouring Sligo Abbey, which are open until the end of October; the reason a similar operating season is not adhered to in all OPW venues in a bid to maximise the tourist season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29642/16]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works provides supported public access at 80 historic sites around the country on either a seasonal or a fulltime basis, with many of these sites operating a guided tour service to enhance the visitor experience. Of this total, 33 sites will operate on a year round basis in 2017 and the remainder will be seasonal, opening on various dates between March/May and closing between September/November. The opening dates for Boyle Abbey this year were 24th March to 21st September, which are broadly similar to both the other locations mentioned in this Question: Sligo Abbey (managed by OPW; 24th March - 12th October) and King House (managed by Roscommon Co. Council; 4th April - 30th September).

The OPW's policy is to facilitate the broadest possible opening season at all sites, allowing public access to the greatest number of properties for as long as possible. This must be done with due regard for the demands of monument protection, visitor safety and resource availability. At certain sites therefore, OPW must make a judgement to close a site after the peak season has passed, basing the decision on such factors as likely visitor demand and the amount of resources available to provide the necessary attendant guide or caretaker services.

Recognising the resource limits placed on it, and understanding the appetite in local communities in particular with regard to opening sites more fully in the off-season, the OPW has developed an approach to working with trusted local groups to facilitate keyholding arrangements and properly manned volunteer guiding efforts at off peak times which can sometimes meet a visitor demand. Certain such initiatives have been developed at a number of sites such as Trim Castle in Co. Meath and Doe Castle in Co. Donegal and the OPW would be happy to consider a similar proposal at Boyle were it to emerge.