UPDATE: Castletown House and Estate in Celbridge, County Kildare, facing temporary closure

Castletown House and Estate in Celbridge is facing a temporary closure, according to the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The news today follows the announcement from last month in which the OPW said that it would not proceed with a temporary car park at Castletown House, after engaging with local residents.

Commenting on the latest announcement, the OPW said: "The OPW welcomes the recent progress made with local community groups which has seen essential services allowed access to Castletown House and Estate.

"This has permitted pest control to service the site, heating and plumbing issues to be repaired and refuse can now be collected."

The organisation's statement continued: "However, from the outset of these events the OPW has been concerned about the challenges arising for its staff in Castletown including being made to feel intimidated while accessing their place of work.

"The Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) have now formally raised these concerns on behalf of their members. 

"Regrettably, unless there is more progress made and OPW staff are allowed to safely access their workplace, this will result in the House and Estate being forced to close.

"Without adequate staff to maintain the grounds safely, there are health and safety risks to the public"

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The OPW also said that, 'like the local community', it does not wish to see this historic House and Estate closed, but elaborated: "However, the safety and well-being of our staff is paramount, and we will respect any decision they make.

"OPW is again calling on local community groups to reconsider their protocols and allow for OPW staff, which along with third-party contractors, are essential to the overall maintenance and upkeep of the House and Estate.  

"Indeed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, staff at the site were considered essential and attended their place of work during lockdown," the OPW concluded.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, also commented on the latest announcement.

He said: "I have been encouraged by the recent progress made in regard to essential services being allowed to access Castletown House." 

"However, we cannot have a situation where our staff feel intimidated going to work.

"I understand the concerns raised by SIPTU to the OPW on behalf of their members and I hope these can be resolved."

"Like the local community, the OPW does not wish to see the House and Estate close."

Minister O'Donovan concluded: "I am calling on local community groups to allow, in their protocols, for OPW staff to be given the same respect and inclusion as third-party essential services and access their place of work."