Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
252. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 473 of 8 September 2022 and No. 50 of 12 October 2022, if he will consider the proposal (details supplied) in consultation with the director; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31275/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Botanic Gardens is primarily a scientific collection of living plants. These form a significant living collection of rarities, some of which are the only example of their kind in cultivation. Unlike a public park, the plant collection requires greater oversight, in line with international botanic garden standards, and must be adequately staffed during opening hours.
Within the living collections at the National Botanic Gardens, there are over 300 endangered species from around the world, and six species already extinct in the wild. These are a vital resource. The opening hours reflect best practise in protecting and managing such an important collection. The horticultural work programme is largely team-based with a specific work-pattern and work processes. This allows the maintenance of the collection.
Staff oversight is required to ensure that the botanical plant collection is not damaged. This is why there are restrictions on activities such as ball games and dogs are not permitted in the Gardens. As the working day begins at 8:00, opening to a later hour would give rise to the imposition of a twelve hour shift pattern on staff, which would result in significant changes in operations and work practices at the Gardens. In terms of the availability of open spaces in Glasnevin, there are several adjacent municipal parks that do not require the same level of oversight, with late opening hours. This ensures a good provision of public parks to the local community.
