Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
467. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason the restaurant and associated services in Kennedy Park and Arboretum, New Ross, County Wexford are closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40408/22]
View answerThe Café concession at John F. Kennedy Arboretum operates on a seasonal basis and normally opens between March and mid-November of each year. The last trading period concluded in November 2019.
OPW had planned to tender this concession opportunity in March 2020 but this was postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. During this period of closure of the café, OPW has taken the opportunity to carry out a survey of the premises which found that works are required before re-opening. The building was constructed in 1967 and while works have been carried out previously, it now requires a significant amount of upgrading. The OPW is currently exploring the most appropriate option to upgrade the facilities.
In the interim, The Hoof Top is operating café services through a mobile unit located next to the playground in the arboretum.
