Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Asgard Restoration Project.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

59 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has satisfied herself that the Asgard restoration project has complied with the formal notice issued to it regarding the unsatisfactory nature of the accommodation for the vessel, following its recent removal from Kilmainham Gaol; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15731/01]

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

As I previously stated in the House, the Asgard is owned by the Minister for Defence and my sole responsibility in relation to it arose from an application from the Asgard restoration project for a licence to alter the vessel to bring it to full sailing and sea-going condition in 1999.

When my colleague, the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, agreed to the removal of the vessel from Kilmainham Gaol and that it could be retained thereafter by theAsgard Restoration Project, my Department agreed to its storage by the group subject to the provision of appropriate accommodation, satisfactory to the National Museum of Ireland, for the ketch. The housing of the Asgard at the car park of the Point Depot was examined by officials of the National Museum of Ireland. It was concluded that the accommodation provided was most unsatisfactory and a formal notice to this effect was issued by the National Museum of Ireland.

The ARP has re-housed the vessel in a more secure location in the docks area. The current arrangements satisfy the requirements of the museum in relation to accommodation for the time being.