The Office of Public Works (OPW) published a Strategic Framework Plan for Dublin Castle in 2022.
The plan aims to unlock the potential of the site, both for visitors and local stakeholders, through a planned approach for co-ordinated development, consolidation and improvements across the campus.
The OPW is actively progressing a number of aspects of the plan, foremost among those being the new Visitor Hub in the State Apartments which is expected to go to planning in the coming months. Additionally bringing the first floor of the Printworks into use as dining facility to support conferencing was another recommendation and this project is currently on site and is due for completion ahead of Ireland's Presidency of the EU later this year.
The Dublin City Development Plan 2022-2028 designates the city block between Castle Street, Werburgh Street, Ship Street Little and the Castle Steps as a Strategic Development and Regeneration Area (SDRA). The OPW and Dublin City Council (DCC) have appointed a multi-disciplinary design team to develop a masterplan for the Werburgh Street SDRA that is now being finalised with inputs from both organisations.
The OPW does not have responsibility for Dame Lane which is a matter for the local authority. However, as an owner of property on Dame Lane, the OPW is a key stakeholder and holds an interest in its future development.
Further information on the masterplan for the SDRA is published by Dublin City Council at www.dublincity.ie/planning-and-land-use/learn-about-councils-plans-city/local-area-plans-and-masterplans-change-name/werburgh-masterplan.
