Austin Currie
Ceist:192 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has for public and community organisations access to Farmleigh House following its acquisition by the State. [8591/00]
Written Answers. - Architectural Heritage.
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.