Gate to open for one day during the Fleadh

LAURENCE’S Gate (right) will open for just one day during the forthcoming Fleadh.

“I am disappointed that between the OPW and the Council, it seems that they are prepared to open the Gate to the public only for a single day during the week-long festival. Laurence’s Street traders are anxious to see the national monument lit up and so am I. It is a long time now since the Council agreed to close the gate after a successful public campaign, yet basic matters like the illumination of the Gate which is a feature that is truly synonymous with the town continue to be put on the long finger,’ Senator Ged Nash stated.

The senator had questioned the minister on the Gate and was informed that the OPW were willing to enter dialogue with the council over the future of the monument.

‘Due to the complexity of facilitating safe public access to the site the OPW does not have the resources to keep the site open for the duration of the Fleadh. However, should the Local Authority wish to assume responsibility for facilitating public access for the period in question the OPW is more than willing to enter into dialogue on the issue.

‘ The full extent of the works requirement at St. Laurence’s Gate remains to be established and, when known, will have to considered in light of the limited resources available to the OPW. Dialogue and partnership with the Local Authority as the owners of the structure will be essential to the further development of the site. Any decision regarding the illumination of the Gate will be taken in this context,’ he was informed.