I propose to take Questions Nos. 473 and 474 together.
The Casino at Marino is a designated National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW).
As the Deputy will likely be aware, the OPW completed a major programme of electrical remediation and conservation works to the fabric of the building in 2017-2019 and the monument re-opened to the public in September 2019.
As part of ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the condition of the building, some issues with the stonework at parapet level have been identified with potential safety implications for visitors and the public. As a result, it has been necessary to delay the opening of the Casino to visitors this season while further investigations are carried out by specialist OPW staff. The results of these investigations will inform the reopening date. The OPW intends to reopen the Casino as soon as it is safe to do so.
Finally, the OPW, together with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is developing a project to significantly enhance visitor facilities at Casino Marino through provision of a new visitor centre including café and exhibition space, and sensitive restoration and improvements to the landscape at the site. The OPW has been engaged with DCC in relation to property matters and a planning application for this new visitor centre is due to be submitted imminently.
