Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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131. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on efforts by the Office of Public Works to increase public access to the Dunsink observatory; and the way the efforts may support the work of DIAS. [56342/22]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the property at Dunsink, Dublin 15 is held by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies on a 150-year lease from the Commissioners of Public Works.

The Observatory at Dunsink is the oldest purpose-built scientific research centre in Ireland, having opened in 1785 as the observatory attached to Trinity College Dublin. It was home to the Royal Astronomer of Ireland for over a century. Some of Ireland’s greatest scientists, including Sir William Rowan Hamilton (seen by many as the founder of modern theoretical physics) have lived and worked at Dunsink. This impressive history led to the property being recognised in 2018 as a “site of historical significance” by the European Physical Society, joining similarly significant scientific locations across Europe, such as Einstein’s house in Bern and Marie Curie’s laboratory in Paris.

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) is a statutory corporation established for the purpose of fundamental research and education by the Irish Government under the Institute for Advanced Studies Act (1940). DIAS is the world’s second, and Ireland’s only, institute for advanced studies, attracting talent from all over the world to conduct fundamental research in three areas with a humanistic and scientific focus: Celtic Studies, Theoretical Physics and Cosmic Physics (encompassing Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics).

For over 80 years, DIAS has pushed the boundaries of discovery: their research gains insights into Celtic society and its legacy; progresses the understanding of our island, our planet, and the universe; and deciphers the underpinning mathematical principles of nature. DIAS also leads Ireland’s participation in a number of global research endeavours and is active in science outreach and public engagement.

The OPW has supported DIAS at Dunsink over the years in terms of the preservation and maintenance of the property and continues to support its future plans for the site. The OPW contributed observations in support of the future of Dunsink into the Draft Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029, emphasising the importance of the protection of the Observatory’s historic, architectural and scientific significance. Over the years, the OPW has undertaken major restoration work at the site (most notably, the two domes atop Observatory House and on the nearby South Observatory); and in 1988, the Grubb telescope was fully renovated.

More recently, the OPW worked with DIAS to secure the registration of the Hamilton Way walk, which is incorporated into the new Fingal Development Plan. The OPW has invested significantly in the site to assist DIAS. Works have included roof repairs, repairs to the entrance walls and gate, repairs to the gate lodge, upgrading windows and refurbishment of the coach house, as well as upgrading security CCTV and external lighting to improve access by members of the public, etc. It is envisaged that, working with the other relevant State agencies such as Fingal County Council and the Department of Further and Higher Education, the plans for greater access and improved facilities at Dunsink over the coming years will improve visitor experience and protect this sensitive historic site.

The OPW continues to engage with DIAS in relation to its future plans to increase public access, in line with the vision for the area set out in the overall Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029.