A long-running and divisive stand-off at a heritage site in Co Kildare could be closer to resolution after the Office of Public Works announced its staff would return to work at Castletown House in Celbridge, that the opening hours would be extended and public facilities reinstated.
Locals have maintained a presence at the entrance to Castletown House since September 2023, which had resulted in the majority of OPW staff not accessing the site.
The protests began after an entrance and car park near the M4 was closed to the public and to OPW staff by the private owner of the land.
At the time, the OPW proposed a new entrance and car park at Lime Avenue near Celbridge village, but locals objected.
However the OPW now says its staff will return to work at the 18th century house and estate.
Opening hours at the estate will be extended from Friday of next week, from 7am to 8pm and public toilets and bins will also be reinstated.
The OPW says dedicated teams will start preparing the estate for visitors, with the house due to open its doors to the public in mid to late May.
Lime Avenue will be used as primarily a pedestrianised access route, with the exception of scheduled operational services such as essential contractors.
It also said that the OPW will submit a planning application in the coming weeks to develop visitor car parking at the Kildare Innovation Centre following an agreement with them.
It said if this successful, car parking could be in place next year.
The development was communicated to local representatives by Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin 'Boxer' Moran.
He said Castletown was important to the community and the local economy.
"I welcome the return of OPW staff to Castletown. All of our staff working in heritage properties across Ireland are proud of their work and enjoy working with the communities that they are part of."
A spokeswoman for the group who have maintained a presence at the gate of Castletown House for more than 570 days, who are known locally as the Gate Protectors, said the development is positive and they are examining the details of it.
"The Save Castletown Gate Protectors are delighted that the minister has taken such strong actions to re-open Castletown House and parklands," she said.
"The Gate Protectors look forward to meeting Minister Moran to resolve this issue once and for all and the group appreciate the united efforts of our elected representatives and the other community stakeholders for all their efforts."
Castletown House was built in Celbridge in the 18th century and acquired by the State in the late 20th century.
