Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Museum.

Ivor Callely

Question:

77 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the opening hours and days of the National Museum and Collins Barracks Museum; the number of public who visited these museums in 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11185/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

The premises of the National Museum of Ireland at Kildare Street, Merrion Street and Collins Barracks are open to the public each week between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday. They are closed to the public on Mondays and also on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

As I indicated in my reply to Question No. 14 on 15 October 1998 the National Museum favours the extension of opening hours to improve access by the public. As I pointed out then, such an extension would have major financial and human resource implications. I understand that the management of the National Museum has had preliminary discussions with the relevant staff interests and that further discussions will be taking place with the view to reaching agreement on extending opening hours.

The total number of visitors to the National Museum in 1998 is estimated at 815,000, made up of 420,000 to Kildare Street, 205,000 to Collins Barracks and 190,000 to Merrion Street (Natural History).