Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018
206. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if consideration has been given to keeping a building (details supplied) open to the public all year round; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53822/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works provides guided services at 70 historic sites nationwide, admitting 7.9m visitors in total at these locations last year. In addition to directly-managed sites, unaccompanied public access is also facilitated at approximately 300 open National Monuments such as Carrigafoyle Castle where visitors are free to enjoy these sites on a self guided basis.
OPW practice is to maintain fulltime access to sites insofar as it is possible. However some locations dictate a different approach. In the case of Carrigafoyle, access is facilitated from the beginning of May until the end of September when the vast majority of visitors come to the site. The underfoot conditions at Carrigafoyle combined with the low light conditions during winter months elevates the risk of accidents and it is not considered advisable to maintain the site fully open throughout the year.
