Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline details of the investment that has been made in the development and management of the OPW sites at Scattery Island and the Ennis Friary in County Clare since 2018; what investment, if any, is planned for the sites for the remainder of 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52004/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, maintenance, presentation and promotion of Ireland’s most iconic heritage properties, including Ireland’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 800 National Monuments, 32 National Historic Properties and over 5,000 acres of gardens and parklands and holds a right to enter property under legislation to undertake necessary maintenance and works for the protection of monuments in its care.

Since 2018, approximately €2m has been expended on Scattery Island to date, a significant amount of this has been on the refurbishment and conservation of the row of cottages known as the Street. It is planned to continue with the development of the visitor offering on the island with the development of new interpretation and works, subject to Ministerial Consent, to the island's Battery.

Regarding Ennis Friary, the sum of €175,000 has been spent on the maintenance and upkeep of this National Monument since 2018. The interpretative panels within the Friary are being replaced during the winter months and will be on display for Season 2024.

The Office of Public is progressing staff welfare facilities, at the site.

Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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216. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to consider the creation of a dog-friendly park within Phoenix Park, to be constructed and enclosed for that function. [52020/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The OPW welcomes dogs accompanied by responsible owners across the vast majority of the Phoenix Park except for a small number of areas with restrictions, such as the children’s playground and the Victorian Walled Garden as per the OPW Code of Conduct on dogs, which can be accessed on the website for the Phoenix Park.

While the Office of Public Works recognises the importance of the Phoenix Park for dog owners as a place for dog-walking and recreation, there are currently no plans to introduce an enclosed designated dog-friendly park within the Park.

The Park is home to 600 wild fallow deer and is a highly important site for biodiversity in Dublin City. It supports 50% of the mammal species found in Ireland and about 35% of bird species. Some of these species – especially ground nesting birds and deer – are very sensitive to disturbance by dogs, something which the OPW must be mindful of when making any plans for the Park.