Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Office of Public Works

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide a breakdown of costs involved in the various public consultations held in relation to the Phoenix Park in the past ten years, including consultancy costs. [46619/24]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works will respond Directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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373. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the OPW’s plans to accommodate parking on the west side of the Phoenix Park which the OPW has acknowledged does not have enough car parking options, particularly for older people who want to walk along Chesterfield Avenue. [46620/24]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works is committed to making the Phoenix Park accessible to all visitors through sustainable public transport, active travel and through provision of 2,200 existing car parking spaces for those who need to drive to the Park.

On the west side of the Phoenix Park, there are approximately 150 spaces on the Furze Road and 40 spaces in the Upper Glen Road car park. The OPW recently refurbished Knockmaroon car park which has approximately 25 spaces. As part of these works, I am pleased to advise that the OPW installed the first age-friendly car parking spaces in the Park designed to serve those with mobility issues. The OPW plans to roll out further age-friendly car parking spaces throughout the Park this year. These are separate and distinct to the designated blue badge parking spaces.

As the Deputy is aware, work is ongoing on a parking strategy for the Phoenix Park. The OPW is continuing to consider how more age-friendly spaces can be added throughout the park and how parking for older people can be best addressed in the future.

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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374. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 24 September 2024, which has not been answered, in relation to an update on ongoing works on the lodge at the Phoenix Park Castleknock Gate, a timeline and costs, to provide a summary of those works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46621/24]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works can confirm that restoration works on the lodge at the Phoenix Park Castleknock Gate include:

  • replacement of the asbestos cement tile roofs with a lead rolled batten roof finish, necessitated by the shallow slope/ pitch of the existing roof;
  • replacement of flat roof covering to the rear extension;
  • replacement of existing uPVC windows with appropriate new hardwood sash windows.
  • application of internal breathable insulation to all external walls, beneath suspended timber floors, and in attic voids to upgrade energy performance;
  • installation of new mechanical system including plumbed radiators and boiler;
  • installation of a new electrical system including full re-wiring of lodge, lighting and fire detection system;
  • installation of new kitchen and bathroom;
  • full painting and redecoration throughout;
  • existing floor boards and joinery will be refurbished where possible, and matching pieces reinstated where missing;
  • external works include the removal of the tarmac rear apron and replacement with a washed gravel surface supported by a cellular stabilisation system;
  • works to drainage, and sundry other minor works.
The works at the lodge are substantially complete and are awaiting the final commissioning to systems to include the new macerator toilet and distribution board. The connection of the permanent electricity supply from the ESB was installed recently.

An overall cost can be provided when the final account is agreed and completed.

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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375. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update in relation to his commitment to consider the installation of eco-toilets in the Phoenix Park, as well as the timings and costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46622/24]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Phoenix Park is an Archaeological Complex and National Historic Park of international significance and the toilet facilities in the Phoenix Park have been developed to date where there is suitable water and wastewater infrastructure. These public toilets are available at the following locations;

  • The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre
  • The Tea Kiosk adjacent to Dublin Zoo
  • Farmleigh House
  • Knockmaroon Biodiversity Centre
  • Temporary toilets located at the Papal Cross carpark
Toilet facilities are also located within Dublin Zoo.,

The Office of Public Works continues to examine a variety of eco-toilet solutions for the areas in the Park which may benefit from additional toilet facilities. The installation of any system will be subject to all necessary planning permissions, availability of resources, and the availability of funds to support the initial capital costs and the ongoing costs to operate and maintain the system.

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