Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:33 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the progress of the refurbishment of Farmleigh House; the plans for the future use of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5276/00]
Other Questions. - Farmleigh House Refurbishment.
Preliminary plans have been prepared for the refurbishment and adaptation of the main house and ancillary buildings for use as a premier State facility for visiting foreign dignitaries and Government meeting/conference centre.
The works envisaged in these plans include upgrading to meet current fire safety standards, including means of escape, security requirements, all necessary fit out, alteration and refurbishment. The works also include repairs to roof, conservatory, etc., together with the provision of vehicle parking facilities and access driveways, to enable the complex to be used for the stated purposes. It is envisaged that tenders for works to the main house, ancillary buildings and access drives will be invited around the end of April 2000.
Facilitating public access is an important part of the overall development plan for Farmleigh. The objective is to ensure that the house and the grounds are accessible by the public to the greatest extent possible, consistent with State requirements and planning considerations.
As part of the provision of public access to Farmleigh, the Commissioners of Public Works sought, on 17 December 1999, temporary planning permission to hold, for a certain number of days each year, activities of an educational, musical or cultural nature within Farmleigh House and ancillary buildings. The December application also sought, in respect of Farmleigh estate, temporary planning permission to hold for a certain number of days each year, events of a sporting, educational, musical or cultural nature and to provide for recreational activities during a certain period each year. The planning authority subsequently requested additional information in respect of the application and this is being prepared at present.
Is it the intention of the Government to retain the land attached to the house in public ownership or are there other plans for it? What is the acreage of the estate?
It is absolutely certain that the State will hold the entire estate, as purchased. It is approximately 79 acres in size and there are no plans to dispose of any part of it. There is considerable public interest in the property and we would like to maximise public access and use of the facility. We have no facility like it in the State and particularly in the capital. The property will be used for State purposes but there will be tremendous opportunities for interesting public access and for the holding of public functions there.