OPW Acquires 235 Acres of Castletown House Lands Amid Local Tensions

UPDATE: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has just announced the acquisition of 235 acres surrounding Castletown House in Co Kildare, marking a significant resolution to a two-year standoff with local residents. Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran confirmed the purchase today, aiming to alleviate ongoing tensions related to vehicular access to the historic estate.

The acquisition of these lands at the Celbridge estate is expected to ease friction between the OPW and community members who opposed the use of a pedestrian avenue for vehicular access to the site. Since acquiring Castletown House in 1994, the OPW has gradually reclaimed approximately 227 acres of the estate’s historic grounds.

Residents have voiced strong opposition to the OPW’s plans to utilize a pedestrian route, known as Lime Avenue, for staff and vehicles. This controversial proposal led to increased confrontations, including clashes between protestors and OPW staff. In May, the OPW’s vehicles and property suffered significant damage at a site used for Castletown House staff, following earlier arson attacks on April 22 and April 24.

The OPW’s decision to expand access via the pedestrian route came after the closure of a previous car park, which was privately purchased. This has left the OPW claiming a lack of vehicular access to the estate, a point disputed by local communities and protest groups.

As the OPW now assumes full management of the estate, the future of Castletown House remains a critical point of interest for locals and tourists alike. The resolution of the land acquisition may serve to restore peace and ensure the ongoing preservation of this important cultural site.

Moving forward, the OPW is expected to release further details on how it plans to integrate the newly acquired lands and address community concerns. Keep watching for more updates as this developing story unfolds.