Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
305. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a ban on making Office of Public Works sites available for commercial use where it would bring revenue into a local area and promote the local region; and if he will reconsider this in the context of a site (details supplied) in County Donegal. [25230/13]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has given permission for the use of Grianan of Aileach, the site in question, for many events including filming by BBC Northern Ireland in 2006. It has also given permission for festival events such as the Awakening Festival in 2012 and again this year.
The OPW has no objection in principle to the use of this or other heritage sites in a commercial context. However, each request must be considered on its own merit, taking into consideration the limitations of the site (potential risk to archeology for example) and considerations of appropriateness. Regarding the site in question, the area around the stone fort is both archaeologically and ecologically sensitive and is excluded from use during the staging of any proposed events or activities. Interference with the ground or surfaces of the interior of the stone fort is also prohibited. All requests for use of OPW sites should be sent to permissions@opw.ie.
