OPW to return staff to Castletown House and Estate

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is to return staff to Castletown House and Estate, Celbridge, Kildare.

Today, the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, TD, had a constructive dialogue with elected representatives for the area to discuss the importance of Castletown House to the local economy, and the significance of it being open having regard to the investment by the State in restoring the House and grounds.

They agreed that the OPW staff must return to their normal place of work in Castletown. A number of actions are being put in place by the OPW: the opening hours will be extended from Friday 11 April from 7:00 to 20:00, with the public toilets and bins to be reinstated after this.

Dedicated teams will start preparing the estate for visitors this summer, with the historic Castletown House itself due to open its doors to the public in mid to late May.

Lime Avenue will be used as primarily a pedestrianised access route, with the exception of scheduled operational services such as essential contractors.

The OPW has an agreement in place with Kildare Innovation Centre to develop visitor parking and will submit a planning application in the coming weeks. If this is successful, car parking could be in place next year.

Welcoming these developments, Minister Moran said, “I’m delighted that these actions are being taken. I have met with local TDs and Councillors to discuss the best way forward and I will continue to engage with them.”

“I particularly welcome the return of OPW staff to Castletown. All of our staff working in heritage properties across Ireland are proud of their work and enjoy working with the communities that they are part of. The work they do to improve biodiversity, to welcome school groups and visitors from across Ireland is incredibly rewarding.”

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