Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
418. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will request the OPW to extend the opening hours of the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham which currently close each evening at 6.30pm, despite public health advice that it is safe for persons to socialise outdoors. [30560/21]
View answer440. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will extend the opening of the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin 8 from 6:30pm for the summer season. [31130/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 440 together.
The grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham are open from 8.00AM to 18.30PM Monday to Saturday and 11.00AM to 18.30PM on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The Royal Hospital Kilmainham is a historic site, the main building being 340 years old, with carefully crafted formal gardens. It is home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art which cares for an important national art collection.
Security arrangements and operations are planned in line with the conservation, preservation and sustainable management of this important historic site.
OPW acknowledges that Royal Hospital Kilmainham is a beautiful amenity for citizens of Dublin 8 but for evening activities those citizens have access to other excellent facilities including the Phoenix Park, across the river, which is accessible 24hrs a day and also the Irish National War Memorial Gardens which stays open later (according to daylight hours).
