Contractor Allegedly "Harassed" Near Castletown House As Vehicle Enters Via Disputed Access Point

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 11:24

By Tara Flanagan

Save Castletown Gate Protectors issued a statement on social media this morning.

A service vehicle reportedly accessed Castletown House via Lime Avenue at approximately 7am this morning, with reports that a contractor was allegedly "harassed".

The access comes after the Office of Public Works (OPW) announced last week that essential contractors and suppliers would begin using the Lime Avenue entrance daily from Monday.

The move has been met with strong opposition from local public representatives and community groups, including the Save Castletown Gate Protectors.

No vehicles were reported to have entered the estate on Monday, the scheduled start date.

They claimed that the vehicle this morning travelled up Lime Avenue at speed and was not accompanied by a speed-restricting escort buggy.

In a statement on social media, the Save Castletown Gate Protectors criticised the OPW, claiming the unescorted vehicle signified a breach of public trust and disregard for prior safety commitments.

The group referenced recent discussions between the OPW, public representatives, and Gardaí regarding access protocols.

Responding to Kfm, the OPW confirmed that an essential contractor had accessed the site to carry out urgent repairs to the heating system in Castletown House. The agency stated there was no requirement for an escort buggy as the site does not open to the public until 8.30am.

The OPW also alleged that contractors were "harassed by members of the public" near Castletown House shortly after 7am.

It confirmed that the incident is being formally reported to An Garda Síochána.

Save Castletown Gate Protectors dispute the claim of harassment.