Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

402. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors at a site since it opened to the public after the pandemic (details supplied). [1108/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Doneraile Estate remained open to the public during the pandemic, providing an important outdoor resource for the community. It is estimated that the estate welcomes approximately 490,000 visitors each year. In 2021, following the easing of Covid-19 Government restrictions, the house re-opened to the public. 6,520 ticketed visitors took guided tours of the ground floor of the house and the gardens.

The house was closed for tours in 2022 as the OPW continued with the next phase of planned refurbishment of the house. These works included the conservation and furnishing of the first floor of the house, the installation of a lift and changing places facility and the re-plastering of the west gable. However, 2,505 ticketed visitors availed of guided garden tours.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

403. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the length of time that that cairn T in Loughcrew, County Meath been closed to the public; the length of time that an acrow prop has been in place to secure the roof; and the plans to restore this important megalithic tomb. [1190/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Cairn T in Loughcrew, County Meath has been closed to the public since October 2018 when the acrow prop was put in place to secure it's roof.

The Office of Public Works wish to confirm that resources will be allocated through the 2023 Business Planning process to commence the development of a Conservation Management Plan for the site. Any works to be carried out will be in the context of the recommendations that the Plan may make for the long-term protection of the monument.