IT HAS BEEN announced that Dublin Castle, where the count of the same-sex marriage referendum and the presidential age referendum is taking place, will be open to members of the public today.
The decision was made last night by Simon Harris, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW).
While access to the Count Centre is strictly by ticket only, members of the public will be able to gain access to the Upper Yard, where the results of the referendum will be shown on a large screen.
The facility will be able to take 2,000 visitors and the space will be marshalled for health and safety reasons. If the space becomes full to capacity, the yard shall then be closed.
Speaking about the decision to open it, Minister Harris, said, “I am delighted to confirm that my office, the OPW, continues to facilitate visitors to Dublin Castle today. While counts for the two referendums are taking place in the Conference Centre, the Castle remains open to the public as usual.”
Votes will this morning be counted in 27 centres around the country.
Dublin Castle is a hugely significant destination and has been witness to many historical events and I have no doubt that all visitors today will enjoy and appreciate the surroundings and the ambience.
The decision was welcomed by Dublin Fianna Fáil councillor Paul McAuliffe, who earlier in the week wrote to the Minister asking that the gates of Dublin Castle be opened.
“This is a campaign that has captured the hearts and minds of much of the electorate, and it has inspired many people who have never been involved in politics or civil action to get involved for the first time. It is only right that these campaigners are given a place to gather and hear the results come in,” he said.
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