Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 4

Written Answers. - Dunsoughly Castle, Dublin.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

61 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dunsoughly Castle in Saint Margaret's, Fingal, County Dublin, is not to be open to visitors in 1995; and the assistance, if any, his Department will make available to ensure that some access to the castle is feasible, particularly to responsible groups such as the Finglas Folk and Heritage Group and other historical societies and conservation bodies in the area. [6718/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Dunsoughly Castle is vested in the Commissioners of Public Works by virtue of a vesting order made in 1914. Access to the castle is through an adjoining farm.

For many years the farm owner has complained of vandalism to his property by people visiting the castle and has informed the commissioners that he will hold them liable for damage to his property and for any third party claims against him. He has requested the commissioners to refrain from allowing the local caretaker making the key to the castle available to visitors. Pending receipt of legal advice, the commissioners have acceded to this request.

However, if groups such as the Finglas Folk and Heritage Group wish to visit the castle and notify the commissioners in advance, the latter will approach the farm owner with a view to obtaining his agreement to allow access to such groups to the castle through his farm.

The question of acquiring lands around the castle and a defined access has been considered but I am advised that this could entail disruption of the running of the farm and no progress has been possible to date. I have asked the commissioners to reactivate this matter with a view to solving the access problem.