Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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409. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the efforts that have been made to improve the recognition of Kilcooley Abbey, Gortnahoe, County Tipperary, as a tourism and heritage location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1339/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Kilcooley Abbey is in guardianship of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland since 13 March 1911 for the purpose of maintaining the monument. This includes a right of way in order to carry out maintenance. While there are areas within the Abbey that are inaccessible, visitors are able to visit the wider site. On occasion, there may be restricted access if there is livestock present in the field that surrounds the Abbey.

Although the OPW has permission to enter the property to maintain the Abbey, it should be noted that the Kilcooley House Estate is privately owned. As a result, the OPW has no role in presenting the site as a tourism location. OPW staff can only access the right of way to the Abbey for the purpose of maintaining the Abbey and carrying out surveys etc. in relation to protection of the National Monument.