Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 May 2023
130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on plans to invest in conservation and improve the visitor experience in the Hill of Tara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11468/23]
View answerThe Hill of Tara is a unique and significant landscape of international significance and it is the role of the Office of Public Works to preserve and protect it. In addition it is responsible for the promotion of an appreciation of the site through the development of a strong management framework.
The Conservation Management Plan for the site was published in September 2022. The Office of Public Works worked with stakeholders, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Meath County Council to agree to this plan that will provide that necessary framework for a clear long-term conservation management plan for the state-owned lands at Tara, for the next decade.
The Plan has a number of strategic objectives relating to the protection and conservation of the State-owned lands on the Hill of Tara, the promotion and awareness of the site and the management and enhancement of the visitor experience, including sustainable visitor access. The OPW offers an audio visual experience and a free guided tour at the site during the summer months.
For the immediate future, a number of projects have been identified for 2023 and are to be implemented as the year goes on, these include a Biodiversity Audit in addition to the consideration and installation of temporary measures, subject to the necessary ministerial consents, to protect those areas of the site that suffer from heavy footfall, the surround to the Lia Fáil, for example. The Biodiversity Audit and review of landscape vulnerability will inform the Landscape Management Plan for lands in OPW Ownership which is currently in development.
