Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Buildings.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

176 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment the buildings owned or used by his Department that pre-date 1843; the extent and terms under which any of these buildings are open to the public; the plans, if any, he has to open any of these buildings to the public; the listed interiors in these buildings; the notable interiors in these buildings other than those that may be officially listed; the current use of these interiors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6027/96]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

My Department occupies part of the Custom House which was completed in 1791 and is State owned. At present, public access to the building is generally confined to persons calling on business. Work has, however, commenced on the development of visitor facilities in a section of the building fronting Custom House Quay which contains the only significant original interior features. These features, consisting mainly of ornate stone and plasterwork, are not listed for preservation in the Dublin City Development Plan but will be retained and enhanced as part of the development of the new visitor area, due to open later this year.