Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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277. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the future use planned for St. Laurence’s Gate, Drogheda in view of his recent visit to Drogheda and constructive engagement on the matter; if costings and feasibility reports have been completed in respect of opening the landmark for public tours and so on to further encourage tourism into the town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11558/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works has facilitated limited, controlled access to St Laurence Gate in recent years, for community events such as the All-Ireland Fleadh, Heritage Week and the Drogheda Arts Festival.

On these occasions, access was strictly by ticket only which had to be booked in advance due to the physical constraints within the monument and the significant health and safety challenges presented by the physical nature of the monument itself. Facilitating this access placed a considerable demand on resources, as Office of Public Works staff provided the stewarding within the monument on all of those occasions.

St. Laurence’s Gate has many challenges which makes it very difficult for general public access on a more regular basis but OPW is happy to work with local stakeholders to ensure occasional access for visitors as part of specific festivals or community events locally.

I can confirm that there is ongoing monitoring of potential structural issues within the monument and as with all National Monuments in the State care, OPW will continue to carry out routine maintenance on this monument in line with legislative obligations.