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STATEMENT BY DR. MARTIN MANSERGH T.D. ON THE DEATH OF OPW COMMISSIONER DAVID BYERS



Dr. Martin Mansergh, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today expressed his shock at the sudden death of OPW Property Commissioner David Byers.

Dr. Mansergh said, “Obviously our first thoughts are with David’s family, his wife Anne, his daughters Sarah and Jenna and his parents and I would like to express my deep sympathy and condolences to them and to all of David’s friends and family on their profound loss”

Dr. Mansergh continued “David Byers is also a great loss to the Office of Public Works and to this country.  He was an innovative, dynamic and progressive figure who contributed so much to our society through his ground-breaking work.  I remember him being a central figure in the adaptation of Dublin Castle and the provision of a Conference Centre there in the first instance for Ireland’s Presidency of the EC in 1990, which was integral to its success.  He was also instrumental in negotiating the purchase of Farmleigh House and Estate on behalf of the State and in the major conservation and refurbishment work that followed.  Other large projects that David Byers played a significant role in were the design and construction of Leinster House 2000, the restoration of Castletown House, the purchase of the Battle of the Boyne site and the establishment of the new Visitor Centre which was jointly opened by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D. and Northern Ireland First Minister Dr. Ian Paisley, M.L.A. on the 6th May last.  David had an enlightened approach to the use of State property and was a great champion of opening up as many of the State’s Heritage Sites as possible to public access and in facilitating their use for events such as concerts, plays and comedy festivals.  He also understood the value of disposing of under-utilised State properties and played a central role in the ongoing rationalisation programme of State property, with important benefits to the Exchequor.

Dr. Mansergh concluded by saying “on a personal level I will always appreciate the immense assistance that David provided to me during the first months of my appointment as Minister of State at the Office of Public Works.  He was the first architect in modern times to be appointed a Commissioner for Public Works and proved to be a highly effective administrator.  I saw him very recently at another wonderful event that he contributed towards staging, the Camerata Ireland and Barry Douglas concert last Sunday at Castletown House.  David will be sadly missed by his colleagues in the OPW and throughout the public service.  Thankfully, he has left a lasting legacy, which will be gratefully remembered.

 

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For further information contact Kevin Kennedy, OPW Press Office (01) 6476159