asked the Minister for Finance if he considers that the replacement of the gates at the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park, Dublin, removed in 1932, is desirable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Phoenix Park Gate.
35.
The question of providing gates at the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park is being examined as part of a general review of traffic conditions within and in the vicinity of the park.
Can the Minister tell the House where are the gates that were removed in 1932?
That appears to be a separate question.
They were ornamental gates. If they are not put into the park they should be put somewhere else.
The Deputy, as Parliamentary Secretary, was the person in charge of the Office of Public Works for a number of years. I think he probably had more time and opportunity to locate the gates than I have had since this question was referred to me for answer.
I relocated gates that I took out of St. Stephen's Green in Kilkenny. Have the gates been retained or sold for scrap? Is it desirable to put them up again in view of the character of the park? Will they interfere with the flow of traffic? It is a simple matter and the Minister should have the information in his brief.
I am sorry to say I have not.
Has the Minister lost the gates?
It is 42 years since they were taken down. I was scarcely around at the time.
If the statue of Queen Victoria and the Gough statue were stored by the Office of Public Works, where are the gates?
Is the Minister aware that the gates were accounted for 15 months ago?
Would the Deputy like to say where they are?
We know where they were 15 months ago but we do not know where they are now. We want to know if they have been sold.
I would be very grateful if the Deputy would say in whose possession were the gates 15 months ago.
They should be in the possession of the Minister.
I am calling Question No. 36.