Written answers
Wednesday, 12 October 2022
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
State Properties
Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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50. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 473 of 8 September 2022, the reason that he will not give consideration to the request to extend the evening opening time of the National Botanic Gardens in view of the widespread public interest in visiting the facility; if his attention has been drawn to the additional enjoyment that local people and visitors from further afield could reap by having the gardens open later than 5 pm on summer evenings; if he will undertake to discuss this matter with the Director of the Gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50584/22]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The National Botanic Gardens is primarily a scientific collection. Its mission is to educate, inform and stimulate visitors, and research there is directed towards conservation of our national flora. A range of tours, talks, exhibitions and activities, especially for children are provided as part of this programme. Public parks close by, include Griffith Park, Tolka Valley Park, Johnstown Park and Albert College Park which provide evening opening. Unlike a public park, the collections, in line with Botanic Gardens internationally, require greater oversight and have to be adequately staffed during opening hours.
Visitors from further afield have a range of after-hours choices from beaches, to Phoenix Park to large municipal parks such as St. Anne’s Park and Ardgillan Castle. This matter has been discussed with the Director and it is agreed that the fundamental role of the gardens as an internationally significant living collection of rare plants deserves the protection afforded by the existing operations and therefore there are no plans to extend the hours but the matter will be kept under review by my officials and the Director of the Gardens.
Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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51. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will gift vacant unused Garda stations to the relevant local authorities for the purpose of public housing given the unprecedented housing crisis that exists. [50399/22]
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Additional time is needed to collate the required information. The OPW will respond to the Deputy directly on the matter.
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