Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
262. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of Heritage Cards purchased in each category adult, student and so on, each year since it was introduced; if there are plans to modernise it as an app on smartphones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for conserving, maintaining and operating Ireland's most important heritage sites. The OPW is charged with conserving and protecting the built and natural heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our National heritage.
In line with broader public sector digital modernisation goals, the OPW keeps its ticketing and operational systems under continuous review. As part of its ongoing strategic planning, the OPW is currently exploring how digital technologies and enhanced ticketing solutions might be leveraged in the future to streamline visitor access and provide a more seamless experience for visitors.
The OPW Heritage Card is sold in four categories; Adult, Senior, Student, and Family. The number of cards sold in each category from 2016 to 2026 inclusive is set out in the attached tabular form.
Please note that a reduced admissions model was in place in 2020 and 2021 arising from the prevailing Covid 19 restrictions in place at the time.
|
Year of Sale |
Total Sales by Category |
|
|
|
Adult |
8788 |
|
|
Senior |
5472 |
|
|
Student |
2725 |
|
2016 |
Family |
1405 |
|
|
Adult |
5854 |
|
|
Senior |
4349 |
|
|
Student |
3279 |
|
2017 |
Family |
736 |
|
|
Adult |
5581 |
|
|
Senior |
4540 |
|
|
Student |
3514 |
|
2018 |
Family |
664 |
|
|
Adult |
4469 |
|
|
Senior |
3869 |
|
|
Student |
2884 |
|
2019 |
Family |
534 |
|
|
Adult |
495 |
|
|
Senior |
517 |
|
|
Student |
312 |
|
2020 |
Family |
103 |
|
|
Adult |
322 |
|
|
Senior |
845 |
|
|
Student |
151 |
|
2021 |
Family |
116 |
|
|
Adult |
1320 |
|
|
Senior |
1078 |
|
|
Student |
532 |
|
2022 |
Family |
174 |
|
|
Adult |
6689 |
|
|
Senior |
6718 |
|
|
Student |
2592 |
|
2023 |
Family |
861 |
|
|
Adult |
6373 |
|
|
Senior |
6661 |
|
|
Student |
2848 |
|
2024 |
Family |
939 |
|
|
Adult |
6608 |
|
|
Senior |
7599 |
|
|
Student |
3160 |
|
2025 |
Family |
964 |
|
|
Adult |
3037 |
|
|
Senior |
3673 |
|
|
Student |
1469 |
|
2026 – to date |
Family |
1367 |
