Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
445. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current funding that would be required to extend the opening hours of the National Botanic Gardens until 8pm during the summer months. [16919/23]
View answerAs stated in previous correspondence (PQ 473/22 & 44185/22), the National Botanic Gardens is primarily a scientific collection of living plants. These form a significant living collection of rarities, some of which are the only example of their kind in cultivation. Unlike a public park, the plant collection requires greater oversight, in line with international botanic garden standards, and has to be adequately staffed during opening hours.
Extending the opening hours is not so much a question of cost, but rather best practise in protecting and managing such an important national collection. The horticultural work programme is largely team-based with a specific work-pattern and work processes. Since the working day begins at 8am, opening to a later hour would give rise to the imposition of a 12-hour shift pattern on staff, which would result in significant changes in operations and work practices at the gardens.
The OPW is of the opinion that such a collection requires the protection afforded by the existing operations which are in-line with best practice internationally and therefore there are no plans to extend these hours. In terms of the availability of open spaces in Glasnevin, there are a number of adjacent municipal parks that do not require the same level of oversight, with late opening hours which ensure good provision of public park amenity to the local community.
