Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
445. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason that Kilmainham gate in the War Memorial Gardens, Inchicore is locked at night while the Islandbridge and Ballyfermot gates are open 24-7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42415/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish National War Memorial Gardens are a beautiful amenity which open to the public from 8 am each morning. The Gardens are accessible at all times, due to a public right of way at the Islandbridge and Ballyfermot Gates specifically. All other gates are closed in the evenings in line with the OPW's operating plan for the site.
There is no public lighting in the Park which limits the time it can be safely accessed by the public. The Kilmainham gate is closed at night on grounds of safety and security after hours and to discourage anti-social behaviour when there are no OPW staff on site. In so doing, the OPW seeks to protect and preserve the gardens so that the public experience a solemn, elegant, formal garden presented to the highest standards when visiting.
