Office of Public Works

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (486)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

486. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to move forward accessibility issues for the public to OPW-run Moyne Abbey, Ballina, County Mayo given that the OPW can only advise on access for OPW staff and not on public access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63465/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

National Monuments in my ownership or guardianship and managed by the Office of Public Works are, for the most part, accessible to the public, or where surrounded by privately owned land, accessible under local arrangements. Some monuments acquired in the past do not have a public right of way, but it is my Department's intention to acquire such rights, where possible, and with the agreement of landowners.

In relation to Moyne Abbey, my Department is aware of the issues around accessibility to the site, and will continue to work with the OPW, the Local Authority and local landowners to explore future access.