Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 March 2019
78. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the historic gates to the Phoenix Park that were removed in summer 2018; when the original gates will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14675/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn preparation for the Mass for the World Meeting of Families 2018 in the Phoenix Park, a number of historic Park gates were removed for health and safety reasons to ensure the safe and free movement of people attending the Mass and vehicles associated with the event on Sunday 26 August.
As part of the project plan for the event for the temporary removal and reinstatement of the gates under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Office of Public Works plans to undertake conservation work at the following entrances:
- North Circular Road Gate (c1906)
- Grangegorman Gate on Blackhorse Avenue (c1906)
- Cabra Gate (c1835)
- Ashtown Gate (c1835)
- Castleknock Gate (c1834)
- Chapelizod Gate (c1833)
- Islandbridge Gate (c1833)
The gates are in need of significant refurbishment and it is a condition of the planning consent granted by Dublin City Council for the temporary removal of the gates that as part of the reinstatement phase each gate and entrance will be fully conserved and restored.
The OPW is providing Architectural (Conservation), Civil and Structural Engineering and Project Management services for this project with external architectural and quantity surveying support. Given the unique nature of the gates, railings, piers and abutment walls, a comprehensive specification for each gate, photographic records and detailed conservation reports have been developed by conservation specialists over the last number of months.
The works to repair and reinstate the gates and entrances will be contracted through a competitive tender process in compliance with public procurement requirements. The work is highly complex and OPW is resolved to complete the work to the highest possible conservation standards. Therefore, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive completion date. Further updates will be available to the public on the Phoenix Park website www.phoenixpark.ie and on our social media pages. It is also planned to post information panels at each entrance informing the public about what is happening, information about the history of the gates, the work involved and the indicative programme for the work once that is known.
