Noel Rock, Drumcondra and Glasnevin representative for Fine Gael, was glad to be present, along with Minister Brian Hayes for this week’s formal launch of the connection between the Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Museum. Speaking at the event, Mr. Rock said: “This connection will allow people to walk from one end of Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum right to the other end of the Botanic Gardens, creating the second biggest green space in Dublin as well as the second biggest pedestrianised walkway. It is a real bonus to have such great amenities on our doorstep, and to have them both connected is fantastic”.

Mr. Rock, a local Peace Commissioner for Glasnevin, Drumcondra and Santry, said: “Another real bonus is that Glasnevin Museum and Botanic Gardens can now do many things jointly – joint events, joint promotions and, importantly for the area’s tourism, joint marketing. This area is now the jewel in the Northside’s crown when it comes to tourism potential, and now we can really push that advantage home. Combined, these two sites could easily become Ireland’s most visited free tourist site, which will be a huge benefit to local businesses and amenities, and could provide a boost to local employment in years to come. The Botanic Gardens alone is already Ireland’s second most visited free tourist site, so I see no reason why we can’t push on from here”.

Mr. Rock added: “The opening of this walkway is a tribute to the forward thinking of the management of both facilities, as well as the Glasnevin Trust and the Office of Public Works, all of whom worked together to make this happen. As the local Fine Gael representative for the area, I am glad to see this happen, and I know that it will provide years of happiness for both locals and tourists alike. We are lucky to have such a great amenity on our doorstep, and now we will be able to enjoy it twice as much – no matter which side we enter from”.