Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 February 2017
174. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of, and his views on, recent projects completed at Rathfarnham Castle and the Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham; if further projects are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRathfarnham Castle is a National Monument in State ownership since 1988. The Office of Public Works manages the site and has undertaken a programme of conservation and refurbishment at the castle over the past twenty years.
The most recent (Phase 6) works were completed in 2015 and provided a new lift and staircase in the south-west tower, new toilet facilities at basement level in the southeast tower, upgrading of doors and floors for fire resistance, and new external ramps and steps to allow level access to a new entrance point. These works have successfully addressed both the fire safety issues, and universal accessibility limitations, that existed at this National Monument.
Future works planned for the Castle will include the refurbishment of four rooms at basement level for exhibition purposes.
An application has already been made to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for Ministerial Consent for these works, and the submission of a planning application to South Dublin County Council will follow shortly. The timelines for the progress of any new works will be dependent on the availability of funding.
At St Enda’s Park, a permanent exhibition on the life and times of Patrick Pearse was installed in the museum basement and opened in July 2016 by President Michael D. Higgins. A public artwork that responded to the historical heritage of the Museum and incorporated the text of Pearse's last poem, 'The Wayfarer', was also unveiled on this date. Carved on 21 pieces of Donegal sandstone and laid along a circular path, the poem now forms a centrepiece in the Walled Garden.
South Dublin County Council has carried out improvement works on Grange Road and Sarah Curran Avenue comprising traffic calming, provision of cycle facilities, footpath upgrade, design of open space with new pedestrian and cyclist entrance into the park and the installation of a sculpture.
Follies within the park have been restored over the past 3 years. Landscaping work within the walled garden has led to paths being upgraded, and the final phase of this work will be completed this year.
