Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Questions (163)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

163. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications received for funding from Louth County Council or other public bodies including Fáilte Ireland relating to maintenance or other development works to St Laurence’s Gate, Drogheda, the Old Abbey, Drogheda, the Drogheda town walls and so on; his plans to enable the OPW to develop heritage or cultural sites and centres in Drogheda town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41765/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works has received no application for funding from Louth Co. Council in respect of the St. Laurence's Gate, which is a National Monument in OPW's care. Any funds required for maintenance of this structure are provided within the subvention to the OPW for National Monuments and the Local Authority has no function in the matter.

OPW has no role in relation to the other heritage structures mentioned and i snot responsible for their maintenance or visitor development. Insofar therefore as it has any plans to develop heritage or cultural locations in Drogheda, the focus is on St. Laurence's Gate solely where,once the serious structural issues with the Monument are addressed, the intent is to make it available to visitors, building on the access which is already provided during special events such as Heritage Week, local festivals etc. Given that a visitor proposal for St. Laurence's Gate is not in sight in the short term, the question of an application for funding to Fáilte Ireland does not arise.