Vol. 214 No. 1
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state briefly the origin, purpose and location of the Garden of Remembrance, the amount already expended on it, the estimated total cost of the completed job, the approximate date of completion and what amenities will be available to the members of the public.
31.
asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made in relation to the Garden of Remembrance; and if he is now in a position to state when it will be opened to the public.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
In 1935 the Dublin Brigade Council of the old IRA suggested that, because of the associations of the site with National activities, the northern part of the Rotunda Gardens in Parnell Square should be taken over by the Government and converted into a public park to be dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom and to be known as the Garden of Remembrance. The suggestion was adopted by the Government and the site was acquired from the Rotunda Hospital Authorities in 1939.
A competition for the design of the Garden was held in 1946. The winning design, which was approved by the Government in 1950, consists of a sunken garden in the shape of a cross with a sculptured central feature. Seating accommodation will be available in the Garden for the public.
In 1949 the Government decided to make the site available to the Rotunda Hospital authorities in connection with the Infant Welfare Scheme, and it was occupied for that purpose until 1959.
The main construction work in the Garden commenced in 1961 and has been completed except for the improvement of the approach to the Garden along the eastern side of Parnell Square which, it is expected, will be finished during the Summer. The estimated total cost of the scheme, exclusive of the memorial sculpture, is £166,000 of which about £145,000 has been expended to date.
A design for the central sculptural feature depicting the metamorphosis of the Children of Lir into Swans, representing the change of men into history was prepared by Mr. Oisin Kelly in 1961. The Government having considered the design felt that the theme was not an appropriate one, and it was decided that steps should be taken to procure a more suitable design. Following consultation with An Chomhairle Ealaion discussions have taken place with Mr. Kelly and it has been agreed that he will consider, having regard to his other commitments, how soon he can undertake the preparation of an alternative design. Mr. Kelly's proposals in this regard are awaited.
Even if a suitable alternative design were available immediately it is obvious that quite a considerable time must elapse before the completed feature could be ready for erection. In the circumstances it is proposed that, as a temporary measure, a fountain in the form of a tall jet should be provided on the site of the sculptural feature. Arrangements for the provision of this fountain are being made and the work will, it is hoped, be carried out within the next three to four months.
A decision on the question of the opening of the Garden to the public will be taken on completion of the work of improvement to the entrance and the installation of the fountain.
