Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2019
69. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the public consultation on the draft Phoenix Park visitor experience strategic review; when the final document will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24640/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review, which was on display in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, was commissioned to examine how visitors currently experience the facilities on offer within the Phoenix Park. The purpose of the review was to identify areas for potential future enhancement of the Phoenix Park that would improve the visitor experience for all users. It was developed in line with the core principles of the ‘Conservation Management Plan for the Phoenix Park’, which remains unchanged by this process.
It should be emphasised that the draft review is not a formal development plan or strategy for the Phoenix Park. It is not part of a formal statutory document of any kind and not part of a statutory public consultation process.
The Draft Review was on public display for ten weeks in order to facilitate observations and comments from the public. It was considered that the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre was the best, most centrally located, venue for a public exhibition of information in respect of the Draft Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review. The full Draft Review and an executive summary were also available to view at the Visitor Centre. For those who were not in a position to view the exhibition in person, a comprehensive Executive Summary of the Report and a pdf of all the exhibition panels has been available for download from the Phoenix Park website. OPW remains open to, and indeed welcomes, any further observations and comments from any party.
OPW is currently considering all the comments and observations received to date following the period of public information. It is not yet in a position to say when this will be completed.
