Vol. 395 No. 6
4 Mr. Hogan asked the Taoiseach if he has any plans to decentralise the National Museum to the south-east region; whether Kilkenny will be considered as an appropriate venue for such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I indicated to the Dáil on 6 December 1989, the Director of the National Museum is considering various proposals for the regional display of material from the national collection at appropriate centres, including Kilkenny.
When does the Taoiseach expect that an announcement might be made regarding these proposals?
They are ongoing. The Director of the National Museum is in touch with a number of local authorities — in Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny. I could not say exactly when decisions will be arrived at.
Will these exhibitions take the form of travelling exhibitions or will they be of a fixed composition?
They will be stationary.
Would the Taoiseach not consider there might be some advatage in encouraging repeat visits to a given centre, to have travelling exhibitions so that the exhibitions would vary over a period rather than always have the same collection on display in the one place?
I will pass on that suggestion. Perhaps there could be one on the Hill of Tara.
Even the Taoiseach would not get planning permission there.
There is a museum in Trim.
