National Monuments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 February 2018

Wednesday, 21 February 2018

Questions (94)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

94. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the execution site of four persons in December 1922 in Roscrea Castle is at present being used for storage by the OPW and that the relatives and various local organisations are requesting that the site be opened on a permanent basis and prepared for the 100 year anniversary; his plans to allow the site to be used in events leading up to and during the anniversary in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8855/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The location referred to at Roscrea Castle is currently being used by the OPW as a utility area serving the entire Roscrea National Monument site. However, mindful of the historic connotations involved, discussions have been held recently with the Roscrea Heritage Society, who are ultimately the owners of the property, about how to mark the upcoming anniversary appropriately and what form public access to the area should take. OPW will also be guided in relation to these matters by the All Party Oireachtas Committee on Commemorations who are considering these issues on a national basis.