Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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115. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding works proposed for Glendalough visitor centre; if existing oil tanks are being replaced; if other non-fossil fuel-based heating methods were considered; if consideration has been given to potential flood risks for new infrastructure at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48289/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The existing oil tanks at Glendalough Visitor Centre were surveyed and, due to their age and condition, they were selected for upgrade as part of an ongoing OPW oil-tank replacement programme. The tanks are approximately 20 years old, constructed in steel (single skin) and are in poor condition. The existing tanks are vulnerable to corrosion, which potentially could result in an oil leak causing serious contamination of the local environment. The replacement programme targets old tanks, such as those in Glendalough and replaces them with modern double-skin bunded tanks. These modern oil tanks give added safeguards and enhanced protection to prevent corrosion.

The oil tank replacement does not involve any upgrade or changes to the existing heating system and therefore the use of non-fossil fuel heating does not arise. The Deputy should be assured that the use of non-fossil fuel heating will of course be considered as part of any future planned energy retrofit or refurbishment of the visitor centre. Currently there are no such plans.

Glendalough is a signature destination within Ireland’s Ancient East. It is renowned for its dramatic landscape valley, set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. At the mouth of the Glendalough Valley is the 'Monastic City' a National monument in State Ownership under management of OPW.

The title of 'Monastic City' given to the remains of the famous early Christian monastic settlement first established by St. Kevin in the 6th century in the Glendalough Valley. The monks abandoned the settlement centuries ago due to religious and political upheavals, but many of their hand-built stone buildings still stand, a testament to their way of life. The site is interpreted by OPW Guide staff who welcome approximately 71,000 visitors to the Centre. However, the Monastic City, which is accessible without recourse to the Visitor Centre, attracts in the region of 700,000 - 750,000 visitors per annum and approx. 1.5 million visitors to the National Park making them amongst the most popular locations in Ireland.

In light of the incredible visitor demand in this location, in 2020, the Office of Public Works in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, the National Monuments Service and Wicklow County Council commissioned a Visitor Experience and Management Masterplan for Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park and Visitor Orientation Recommendations for Co. Wicklow. The development of this masterplan is currently on-going.

Until such time as the Masterplan process is concluded, OPW has no plans to install new infrastructure at Glendalough. However, any new developments would not proceed without the necessary environmental assessments being undertaken and the necessary planning permissions sought and granted.