Written answers

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Outdoor Events Planning Permission

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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177. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has designated a specific section of the Phoenix Park for a concert (details supplied); the size of the area allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22513/18]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works designated a site known as ‘Whitefields’ for the concert in question. The area in the Phoenix Park adequately and safely facilitated the large crowds attending together with the required catering, temporary toilet and other facilities. The logistical operation in mounting the concerts was an unqualified success.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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178. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has designated a specific section of the Phoenix Park for an event (details supplied); the size of the area allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22514/18]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Commissioners of Public Works have designated the area around the “15 Acres” including the Papal Cross for the Papal Mass.

The whole of the Park will be in use to ensure people’s safety for arrival and entry to the site; for site circulation of crowds and for leaving the site and dispersal.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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179. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process for approving a Government supported as opposed to commercial event in the Phoenix Park which incurs a cost on the public purse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22515/18]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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Approval for the use of the Phoenix Park depends on the circumstances of each case including the nature and scale of the event. In the case of the Papal visit for example, Pope Francis will visit Ireland in August for the World Meeting of Families, which will conclude with a public Mass in the Phoenix Park, where large numbers are expected to attend.

The Church wrote formally to the Office of Public Works seeking the use of the Phoenix Park and the State has committed to facilitating the event in particular where the security, safety and wellbeing of those attending is concerned.

As with any other large public event in the Park this event has to comply with the Local Government Planning legislation that governs such outdoor events.

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