Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 4

Written Answers. - Museum Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans she has for the provision of museums on a countrywide basis with particular reference to the importance of the location of local memorabilia at such locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27327/01]

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

As I indicated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 44 on 31 May 2000 on this topic, the function of developing county museums rests primarily with the relevant local authority. I understand that the Heritage Council provides guidance on such issues as museum standards and computerisation and collection and training surveys for museums.

I am fully conscious of the importance of displaying, to the greatest extent possible, artefacts of local interest in the appropriate local setting. To this end, I have already designated a number of local authority museums and their curators under the provisions of section 68 of the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997. The museums concerned are Cavan County Museum, Cork Public Museum, Kerry County Museum, Donegal County Museum, Limerick Museum, Louth County Museum, Monaghan County Museum, Tipperary South Riding County Museum and Waterford Treasures Museum. I also intend to make an announcement shortly regarding the designation of Clare Museum.

These designations have the effect of enabling the allocation to these museums of newly found archaeological objects that are predominantly of local significance. The curators in these museums also have the legal power to accept for safe keeping newly found archaeological objects discovered in the relevant county.