The car park for visitors to Castletown demesne in Co Kildare via the M4 access road reopens today.
It follows a two-year standoff over the closure of public parking and access at the heritage site.
In September 2023, following the private sale of nearby land, the entrance and car park near the M4 was closed to the public and Office of Public Works (OPW) staff.
New access routes were proposed by the OPW near Celbridge village, but some locals objected and this group, who called themselves the Gatekeepers, held a long-running protest at the gates.
Last month, the Office of Public Works secured an agreement to buy the land surrounding the historic estate to restore the M4 access route and public parking, and to double the size of the parklands surrounding the historic house.
In the last few weeks, OPW site staff oversaw repairs to the roadway and a new compacted hardcore surface was applied to the car park.
Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, with responsibility for the OPW, said he was delighted that the public would see the re-opening of the M4 access road to Castletown with car parking for visitors.
"Road repair works have been completed promptly and the wonderful parklands will be open for the enjoyment of many visitors over the Christmas period.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the local elected representatives, Kildare County Council and the local community in the weeks and months ahead," Mr Moran said.
The cost of the land deal was €11.25m and was approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform because of the strategic importance of the land to the State.
The State is purchasing 235 acres in addition to the 237 acres already in State ownership.
Further works will be carried out in the future on the development plan for the site while tours of Castletown House are due to resume in March 2026.
