The saga of Castletown House and access to it and to the State-owned lands there continues. The Minister kindly apprised us all of the ongoing dispute, the ongoing deterioration in the condition of Castletown House and the need for ongoing maintenance that cannot be carried out. However, he appears to believe that the blame lies with local protests, which were occasioned by the fact that the OPW decided to break all the rules and attempt to remove part of the wrought iron gates without planning permission, consultation or reference. I ask that urgent steps be taken to resolve this matter once and for all by simply seeking an interim injunction with a view to having discussion of the issue in the courts in order that we will all know where we have to go.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue at Castletown House. As he will understand, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any current or prospective legal action. The best way of resolving the issues he has highlighted is through dialogue and engagement. I encourage all the parties involved to come together and work this through.