National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Questions (111)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

111. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of visitors to the Desmond Banqueting Hall, Newcastle West during the years 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40259/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

Visitor Numbers to Desmond Hall for 2011 and 2012 were 3,702 and 4,290 respectively. There have been 8,538 visitors to date to Desmond Hall in 2013. This large increase was due to a number of factors including a concerted local advertising campaign, an increased number of public events, excellent summer weather and better overall access to the site. The OPW National Monuments Service intends to continue with the strategy of engaging proactively with communities to ensure they encourage greater visitor footfall and facilitate more events at sites such as this nationwide.