Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
629. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the delivery of the Conservation Management Plan for Doneraile House and Court, Doneraile, County Cork and in particular the construction of an orangery at the house which would greatly enhance the historical authenticity and visitor experience at Doneraile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19040/25]
View answerDoneraile Court and Estate came into the care of the OPW in 1994 and over the last thirty years or so significant investment has been made in the conservation and presentation of the estate.In 2023, Doneraile attracted over half a million visitors (523,800) to the parkland with over 9,000 ticketed visitors to the house.
In recent years, the OPW has invested considerably in the restoration of Doneraile Court. In 2019, the ground floor was restored and opened to the public with the gardens opening in 2020. In 2023, the first floor restoration was completed with the House fully opened to include improved access with a lift and a changing places facility.
Restoration and upgrade works are continuing and works in 2024 included the restoration of the gates to the Haggard and American Gardens, site access and improvement works, and new planting in the formal gardens and woodlands. Works underway and planned for 2025 include repairs to the boundary wall, garden works, renewal of some of the interior exhibits and the upgrading of the public bathrooms.
A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Doneraile was published in 2023. The plan identified the Conservatory (Orangery) as an important structure (built in 1825-6 and taken down in the early 1970s) as an important missing feature on the site. The OPW has completed a feasibility report exploring the options for the reconstruction and potential uses for the Orangery structure to complement and enhance the current visitor experience.
In order to now advance the project the OPW is in the process of developing the Preliminary Business Case required under the Public Spending Code with a view to appointing a design team to develop a scheme to bring to planning. I can assure the deputy that this project continues to be a priority for the OPW at Doneraile.
