Kildare's Castletown House to reopen next week

Kildare’s Castletown House is to open from next week, according to Minister James Lawless.

This follows a meeting between Kildare North TDs and minister with responsibility for the OPW Kevin Boxer Moran.

Minister Moran plans to open the grounds to the public from dawn until dusk from next week with OPW staff back on site, according to Minister Lawless.

Plans for a car park at the Kildare Innovation Campus have been prepared with the OPW expected to seek planning permission within the next 8-10 weeks.

There is an intention to introduce a mobility train/shuttle service from the new car park at Kildare Innovation Campus.

The OPW plan on opening public toilets and bins as soon as possible while organised activities such as Park Run to recommence soon.

OPW staff will park at Donaghvonoer at an existing yard and will be transported by OPW vehicle to the house by Batty Langley Lane.

Minister Lawless said: "I welcome this progress, coming after over a year of stalemate. The new plan will see access to the house and grounds restored to the public while providing a practical, costed plan to restore access long term.

“The new approach via Kildare Innovation Campus is something I have long advocated for, and it provides the most sustainable long-term solution.”

The future of the 300-year-old Castletown House was feared for, because of a blockage and protest at its only remaining access gate and had seen SIPTU remove its remaining staff.

The root of this issue lies in the OPW's loss of vehicular access via the M4 from Junction 6, compounded by SIPTU’s subsequent withdrawal of staff, who were now unable to reach their workplace by car through the alternative route proposed due to local opposition, the one-kilometre Lime Avenue at Celbridge Gate.