Everyone can benefit from extended access to Farmleigh Estate this summer – Currie

Fine Gael Senator, Emer Currie, has welcomed the extension of the opening hours to the grounds of Farmleigh Estate during the summer, following her calls in the Seanad. The new extended hours come in tomorrow (Monday 12th July).

The Dublin West Senator said “I campaigned successfully for access to Farmleigh Estate to be extended last year during lockdown and raised it in the Seanad this year. We’ve all seen the increase in demand on our outdoor spaces during Covid-19 and our outdoor attractions are hugely popular again this summer.

“I want to thank the OPW and Taoiseach Micheál Martin for seeing the merit in my suggestion to extend the opening hours to 8pm from Monday 12th July to the end of August. This makes a big difference to people working during the day, lots of whom are still at home.

“Farmleigh is a beautiful amenity; the house is used as guest house for visiting dignitaries and the grounds consist of 78 acres of mature trees and private gardens on the edge of the Phoenix Park.

“As the gates and car park usually close for entry at 5pm and shut at 6pm, people unfortunately people aren’t used to the gates being open in the evening. It’s important to communicate this change to the opening hours far and wide so everyone can benefit.

“There is also potential here for some Covid responsible outdoor activities – perhaps giving a platform to local musicians and food outlets, or, markets and cultural days that have taken place on the grounds before. Obviously they can’t be run like they have in other years and would require public health guidance, but it would be good to see this outdoor venue being used over the summer for Covid safe events too,” Senator Currie concluded.