Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
158. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process that governs decisions in relation to the use of Office of Public Works sites by local community groups; if a decision has been made to not facilitate a group (details supplied) with the use of St. Enda’s Park; and if so, the basis for same. [21826/22]
View answerThe use of heritage sites managed by the Office of Public Works, for the support of cultural, artistic and recreational purposes, has always been a part of the OPW’s remit. Our responsibility, in relation to Historic Properties and National Monuments, is to protect, conserve and present these properties on behalf of the people of Ireland. Where a wholly commercial use of these properties is proposed, a facility fee will be charged.
In the case of charities or local community groups, there are occasional requests to use OPW sites for charitable or fund-raising purposes. Our decision in facilitating such activities is conditional upon two aspects:
- Whether the use of these sites is in, or by implication could be perceived to, support party-political or fund-raising purposes which conflict with the scope of our responsibilities; and
- Whether any public-liability aspects attach to us as the occupiers, in respect to whether the activity places an additional, or unacceptable, duty of care that may expose the OPW or the State to financial or reputational risk;
In the case of this local community group, the OPW is open to collaboration on events which meet the above criteria. The OPW has supported the work of this community group in the past and is happy to engage with the group on event proposals provided they are consonant with the above criteria.
