Ahead of the weekend visit to these shores by Pope Francis, Deputy 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 preparations.
During his tour of the site, Minister Moran acknowledged the efforts of all the various stakeholders who are working to ensure a safe and successful event.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to the OPW staff based in the Phoenix Park and those in the Event Management Unit who project managed the three main events at the Phoenix Park, in Dublin 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 noted.
The Minister continued, stating that the culmination of a successful preparation was the result of a unified team effort.
“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 met with enthusiasm and professionalism and I would like to commend all involved for their efforts,” Deputy Moran concluded.
