Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
84. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will facilitate the longer opening of heritage sites outside of the traditional season in order to benefit from a potential increase in staycations and domestic holidays and in order to accommodate visitors and to avoid overcrowding sites during seasonal weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13091/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heritage Visitor sites managed by the Office of Public Works have been directly affected by the Covid-19 crisis with both the year-round and seasonal sites within the portfolio largely closed to the public during the shutdown. These properties have however been reopening progressively since 18th May last when certain outdoor locations resumed and the position in relation to the remainder is being actively examined. Currently, the OPW is working to resume operations at a broad range of remaining indoor sites in line with the Government's most recent Roadmap which indicated that the Museums and Galleries would reopen after 29th June.
Visitor sites within the portfolio will, when they resume, offer a changed service to members of the public in many cases with some restrictions evident in terms of the numbers who can be admitted, accessing confined spaces etc. However, it is the firm intention of the OPW to support insofar as possible the re-invigoration of the domestic Irish tourism sector and to offer the best possible visitor experience to the public while still allowing for necessary Covid restrictions. It is not at this stage clear what the extent of the visitor appetite will be and how long into the Autumn demand will be sustained, but the OPW will keep opening times for seasonal sites under review if it is clear that there is a significant demand, and will respond accordingly. It ought to be borne in mind however that the visitor portfolio operates within defined financial parameters and that it may not be feasible in all cases to sustain a longer season if there is not a vibrant demand or if attractions cannot be staffed appropriately and safely.
