Written answers
Tuesday, 8 July 2025
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
National Parks
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
349. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's view on whether the Phoenix Park was returned to an 'as found' condition following recent concerts, as was promised to residents, following recent concerts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37643/25]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
A concert series was held in the Phoenix Park on Friday, 20 June, to Sunday, 22 June 2025. These events were attended by approximately 180,000 people from across Ireland.
The organiser of the event was 'Aikens Promotions' who commenced building the concert site on Wednesday 11 June and returned the site to the Office of Public Works on Saturday 28 June, subject to identified remedial works. Remedial works to the grass areas commenced on 1 July and it is envisaged that these works will be complete in the coming week. These works include grass seeding and it will take some weeks for the grass to germinate and grow. All costs for these works will be covered by the concert organiser.
The organiser engaged a litter collection company to collect all litter generated on site by the concert. This company was on site during the build period, concert show days and for a number of days post-concert. Regular inspections took place across the Phoenix Park by OPW staff to ensure that all concert litter was fully removed from the Park by the concert organiser.
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context
350. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will review the traffic arrangements put in place to facilitate the Bloom event in the Phoenix Park in June, with a particular view on their impact on surrounding estates in Dublin 7 and Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37644/25]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
'Bord Bia Bloom' is an annual event organised by An Bord Bia which takes place over the June Bank holiday weekend each year.
To ensure that the traffic arrangements do not have an excessive impact on surrounding estates, a traffic management plan was put in place that included input from all of the statutory agencies, Bord Bia and the Office of Public Works. This included encouraging public transport and active travel. In 2025, approximately 20,000 people attended using free public or private coach transport with 1,800 people travelling by cycle.
While the OPW has not received any direct correspondence in relation to traffic arrangements, we are committed to ensuring that this event is enjoyed by visitors without undue impacts on the surrounding areas and would welcome any specific issues to be addressed. A full review is scheduled to take place this summer which will ensure that any issues are remedied before the event in 2026.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
351. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered a casual trading licence for selling ice cream in the Phoenix Park during the summer months in areas of high footfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37747/25]
Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There is no consideration being given to a casual trading licence for selling ice cream in the Phoenix Park as this service is already provided via concession at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and the tea rooms beside Dublin Zoo.
These are high footfall areas within the Phoenix Park, and no additional locations are currently under consideration.
No comments