Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2018
133. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the budget that has been allocated for the visit of Pope Francis to the Phoenix Park in August 2018; the number of persons expected to visit the park; the preparatory work to be carried out to cater for the large crowds; the budget for restoring the park after the Pope's visit has ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19766/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide a fully costed estimate for the visit of Pope Francis to the Phoenix Park in August this year as arrangements for the event have yet to be finalised.
It is expected that the number of people visiting the park that day will not exceed 600,000.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is undertaking preparatory works that will cater for the health, safety and welfare of those attending. These works will include the widening of gates (this will be a temporary measure – all gates will be restored to their existing positions after the event), the identification and lining of routes or pathways within the park, and the installation of welfare hubs, way-finding, security and stewarding facilities. A nationwide Traffic and Pedestrian Management Plan is currently under development to cater for the large crowds expected to attend, the details of which will be conveyed to the public through the Government Information Service in due course.
It is not expected that there will be any significant damage done to the park. The weather leading up to the event, and on the day itself, will have some bearing on this.
