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

253. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will respond to a matter (details supplied). [21541/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Doneraile Court continues to operate as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cork. The grounds of the Estate are open throughout the year. The House, like many historical properties, opens from March until October each year. The house currently open for guided tours five days per week.

In order to welcome visitors to Doneraile Court, we require a minimum number of staff to ensure that we can manage their visit safely. On rare occasions, unplanned issues arise and we have to reduce our opening hours. However, the number of tours daily has not reduced, in fact I am informed that they have increased to 6 tours per day.

In a full employment economy it can be challenging to fill operational roles and the OPW, like many employers is experiencing movement of staff in and out of roles. We have recently advertised for the Foreperson role at Doneraile Court and hope to appoint someone imminently. Seasonal guide recruitment is also underway. These positions were advertised locally and we would hope to have additional guides available very shortly which should facilitate a return to opening 7-days a week.

It is important to note that the front door of the House is normally closed most of the time as part of our standard operating procedures to protect the collection of art and artefacts within Doneraile Court. In order to control humidity and dust levels, in line with certified museum standards, the front door needs to be closed but it is not locked and we open it fully for ten minutes before each tour so that the visitors are clear that the house is accessible and the tours are about to commence.

The OPW continues to work towards completing the projects identified in the Conservation Management Plan to protect and conserve the historic structures on the site. The next phase of projects are in the early stages of design. They will be subject to planning permission and the availability of funding and resources to the complete the works.