SIPTU members employed as Groundskeepers and Tour Guides in Castletown House in County Kildare are considering proposals to end a long-running dispute at the Office of Public Works (OPW) run tourist attraction, which has seen them denied vehicle access to their place of work since September 2023.
The issue emerged when the private owner of part of the estate, permanently closed vehicular access via the M4 entrance. Resident groups have since then also denied access to staff through Lime Avenue, stating that increased traffic on this route endangered other users.
SIPTU Organiser, Jay Power, said: “SIPTU was able to secure the redeployment of staff to alternative OPW sites with their terms and conditions protected, as well as other measures to offset costs associated with changing their place of work.
“Following a meeting with the Minister responsible for the OPW, during which SIPTU representatives outlined what is required for the return of staff to Castletown House, which is unfettered vehicular access, proposals to end the dispute have been drafted. All the stakeholders are currently considering these proposals.”