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

The building referenced is still allocated to An Garda Síochána on a temporary basis and the long term use of the building is under consideration.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

244. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to the M4 access to Castletown House under the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which provides for access to ensure the integrity of a heritage site; if so, the reason it has not been pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/24]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

245. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has made efforts to secure the right to use the M4 entrance to access Castletown House in the context of utilising the provisions of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023; and if not, the reason. [6116/24]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together. I propose to answer PQs 6091 and 6116 together.

I understand that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who has responsibility for commencing provisions contained within the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, is currently working with his Department to implement measures which will enable commencement (on a phased basis) of the Act. It is also my understanding that much of this Act has not yet been commenced.

For clarity, I would welcome further detail from the Deputy as to the exact provisions in the Act which she has identified as relevant in this particular instance.

As it stands, and as the Deputy will be aware, the State already has access to Castletown in order to ensure the integrity of the heritage site. The official vehicular access, through the Celbridge Gate, to Castletown House was acquired by the State in 1994 along with 13 acres of land.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

246. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has examined and costed the repair of the drainage system at Railway Road, Raphoe, County Donegal, which was damaged and left in a dangerous situation in July 2023; when it will be repaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6176/24]

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

Donegal County Council are actively working in partnership with the OPW in identifying a funding source and design solution for the failure of the storm water culvert at Railway Road in Raphoe. The OPW have successfully tendered and appointed a CCTV contractor to examine all sections of the culvert, including the failure at Railway Road, to ascertain the full extent of the damage caused by the latest flood event.

The CCTV survey will incorporate specialist drone camera technology and it is expected the survey will be completed by the end of February. Following a review of the data it is proposed that the appointed Engineering Consultant for the Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme will be tasked with designing and costing a solution for the culvert failure at Railway Road along with any other recommended remediation measures to the culvert. An application will then be made by Donegal County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the repairs in advance of the full Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme. The application will be considered for funding by the OPW under the criteria for the Minor Works Scheme.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies up to €750,000 to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.

Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio. The commencement and progression of any works for which funding is approved is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.