Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
189. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works plans to make arrangements to open St. Laurence's Gate, Drogheda, to the public for the duration of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann; if the OPW has short to medium-term plans to illuminate this national monument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31202/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will facilitate public access to St. Laurence's Gate for one day during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Due to the complexity of facilitating safe public access to the site the OPW does not have the resources to keep the site open for the duration of the Fleadh. However, should the Local Authority wish to assume responsibility for facilitating public access for the period in question the OPW is more than willing to enter into dialogue on the issue.
The full extent of the works requirement at St. Laurence's Gate remains to be established and, when known, will have to considered in light of the limited resources available to the OPW. Dialogue and partnership with the Local Authority as the owners of the structure will be essential to the further development of the site. Any decision regarding the illumination of the Gate will be taken in this context.
