Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
337. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether he is satisfied that the organisation is moving with all necessary alacrity on the unification of the lands at Castletown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13880/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has long been the policy of the OPW to seek to reunite the historic demesne lands of Castletown Estate. The Commissioners of Public Works acquired Castletown House and 13 acres of land in 1994. In 1997, one hundred acres south of the house was acquired. The farmyard adjacent to the house was acquired in 2001. In 2006, lands associated with the Batty Langley Lodge were acquired with former Coillte lands to the north and east of the House acquired in 2007. Since 2008, the OPW has managed and conserved the reassembled 227 acres of the original 580 acres of land which formed the historic demesne.
As a member of the working group the Deputy will be aware of the efforts made by the OPW to unify the historic Castletown demesne. However, a property transaction requires a willing seller and a willing buyer. The OPW is a willing buyer.
The OPW remains open at all times to discussing a new licence with the landowner or to negotiate a sale of part or all of the subject lands, albeit that any transaction would need to be in compliance with the public spending code in order to ensure adherence to value for money for the taxpayer.
The landowner has the right to choose how they manage their land and whether or not to sell their lands or a portion of their lands.
