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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Castletown House access dispute

Summary

Deputy Cronin raised community anger over OPW plans around Lime Avenue and demanded a solution involving Kildare Innovation Campus. The Taoiseach said he knew the issue but not the planning timeline, promised to raise it, and said the Government was trying to provide access.

Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

The Deputy and the Taoiseach can engage further.

Comment on this

This week, the local community in Celbridge gathered again outside the gates of Castletown House to protest the brazen attempts by the OPW to open Lime Avenue without local consultation. The community has been clear and consistent in its demands - the domain has to be reunited, and safe and secure access must be granted to vulnerable pedestrians on Lime Avenue. To their disgust, protocols were broken this week and a vehicle went flying down Lime Avenue yesterday with no escort. I believe they are trying it again today. A car park in the Kildare Innovation Campus, KIC, is a solution. On what date will the application for planning permission be submitted? The CEO of KIC approved it on 22 May. Essential vehicles must also be allowed to use that car park because it was agricultural land and it already took heavy agricultural vehicles. They are too dangerous for Lime Avenue. When will the planning for this be submitted?

Comment on this

I am not aware of who is submitting the planning permission.

Comment on this

The Taoiseach is well aware.

Comment on this

I am aware of the issue. I cannot give an exact timeline as to when a planning application will be submitted.

Comment on this

What is the delay?

Comment on this
Verona Murphy An Ceann Comhairle Independent

Deputy, it is not a back and forth.

Comment on this

The Minister is pretending that the KIC is causing the delay but it is not-----

Comment on this

I will raise this. There is no point in roaring at me about it.

Comment on this

A Department of Government is doing everything it possibly can to give access to people. The big issue initially was that there was no access. I will relay that the Deputy has raised this with the Minister of State. He is very well aware of it, as is the Minister, Deputy Lawless. All the Deputies have been engaged in this matter, but it is a bit much to expect us to have the operational timelines of every planning application that is being made.

Comment on this