Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
308. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that the Office of Public Works will not allow a local commemoration group access to Roscrea Castle to mark the centenary of four republicans who were executed there during the Civil War; and his views on whether the OPW, as a State body, should support the efforts of local groups working to celebrate Irish history. [54605/22]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has never refused access to members of the families concerned to visit the site, at any time, to lay wreaths in a private capacity.
For the one hundred year anniversary next year, OPW has received one such request and it hoped to facilitate this visit on the date requested by the families concerned.
The OPW has also received a request from the commemoration group to which the member refers which also mentions family members wishing to lay wreaths at the site and again OPW will be happy to facilitate this for them in a private capacity.
The policy of Heritage Services - National Monuments, on my direction, is that our heritage sites remain apolitical. It is understood that the group is engaging with the Local Authority to develop a proposal and should such a joint proposal be submitted and supported by the council, this would be a more collaborative approach to the event giving cross-party support and greater community representation and OPW officials are happy to engage with the commemoration group in this regard.
Again, it is to be re-iterated that OPW will endeavour to facilitate any family member who wishes to lay a wreath in a private capacity. Officials in the OPW are available at all times to engage with local interest groups and I am pleased to advise that there is regular ongoing engagement with the local Heritage Group in Roscrea.
