Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
244. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if consideration has been given to the M4 access to Castletown House under the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 which provides for access to ensure the integrity of a heritage site; if so, the reason it has not been pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/24]
View answer245. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has made efforts to secure the right to use the M4 entrance to access Castletown House in the context of utilising the provisions of the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023; and if not, the reason. [6116/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together. I propose to answer PQs 6091 and 6116 together.
I understand that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who has responsibility for commencing provisions contained within the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, is currently working with his Department to implement measures which will enable commencement (on a phased basis) of the Act. It is also my understanding that much of this Act has not yet been commenced.
For clarity, I would welcome further detail from the Deputy as to the exact provisions in the Act which she has identified as relevant in this particular instance.
As it stands, and as the Deputy will be aware, the State already has access to Castletown in order to ensure the integrity of the heritage site. The official vehicular access, through the Celbridge Gate, to Castletown House was acquired by the State in 1994 along with 13 acres of land.
