Minister of State Brian Hayes' decision to allow private commercial franchises or enterprises to tender for space in some of the State's iconic publicly owned properties has been criticised by the Green Party today.

The Party asserts that no consultation has taken place with the public, who have a vested interest in the facilities and the upkeep of national treasures such as Kilkenny Castle, Castletown House and the Iveagh Gardens.

Green Party Environment Spokesperson Cllr Malcolm Noonan said: "While Minister Hayes and Government think that the limited employment potential justifies this move, the reality is that for many families who struggle to make ends meet, a picnic in an OPW park or facility is a low cost family treat without having to be bombarded by advertising or merchandise. In many cases small family-owned business have located near such facilities and their viability could also be threatened by this proposal. Will we eventually see a McDonald’s in the grounds of our historic parks or heritage sites?’

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"No consultation has taken place between the OPW and their stakeholders – who in principal are the users of these publicly owned facilities. The loose definition of 'visitor enhancing activities' provides absolutely no scope as to what the Minister intends by this announcement and allowing commercial franchises into these sites is liable to increase litter and may pose threats to the flora and fauna. Government agenda seems to be driven once again by endless commercialisation and eventual privatisation of publicly owned assets and the Green Party would urge that this ill thought out decision be reconsidered."

(CD/MH)