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Press release

Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran visits site of Papal Mass in Phoenix Park

Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, visited the Phoenix Park to view the ongoing works for the forthcoming Papal Mass to be held on Sunday, 26 August in the Phoenix Park.

Minister Moran acknowledged the efforts of all the various stakeholders who are working to ensure a safe and successful event.

The Minister stated:

"I would like to pay particular tribute to the OPW staff based in the Phoenix Park and those in the Event Management Unit who are project managing three main events at the Phoenix Park, City Centre and Knock. Since the announcement of the visit, the OPW team have engaged with the World Meeting of Families, Department of An Taoiseach, An Garda Síochána and all relevant State agencies. In addition to this, the OPW National Historic Properties administration team and the Press Office have been dealing with an avalanche of press queries associated with this visit."

The Minister continued:

"What people may not realise is the amount of work which has to be undertaken behind the scenes by all staff involved, from gardeners, park rangers, tree surgeons, general operatives to name a few, in the preparation of the site and the Park to facilitate this monumental event. This is a major organisational challenge and one which the OPW staff have met with enthusiasm and professionalism and I would like to commend all involved for their efforts. I wish all of those who plan to attend on Sunday a safe and enjoyable visit."

ENDS

For further information please contact Brian Higgins, OPW Client Services and Communications at 087 947 5552 or opwcsc@opw.ie

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Notes to the Editor:

Key facts and figures in relation to works carried out by OPW staff in the Phoenix Park in preparation for the final mass for WMOF 2018:

  • spread over 780 tonnes of horticultural sand along all routes within Phoenix Park to enable ease of access to the site. The total distance for the routes is 15 kilometres within the Park
  • removed over 300m of grass banks to ensure universal access along the routes
  • installed over 300m of tar along kerb edges and ramps to ensure access for all along routes within the Park
  • undertaken crown lifting of trees along the 15 kilometres of routes within the Phoenix Park
  • monitored the deer herd since works commenced on site on 23 July and will carry out night patrols of the deer to monitor their welfare throughout the coming weekend
  • supervised contractors on site throughout the build and monitored health and safety
  • along with An Garda Síochána, met with all rough sleepers within the park and advised them of procedure for accessing the Park over the weekend
  • advised and supervised the removal of 7 of the Phoenix Park gates and installation of temporary gates for the event. A full restoration project will be undertaken on these gates after the WMOF event
  • carried out a full survey of the entire Papal mass site and any potential hazards have been made safe
  • liaised with and accredited all residents/institutions/staff within the Phoenix Park to ensure that they can access the park over the weekend

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