Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Asgard Restoration Project.

Tony Gregory

Question:

121 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the matters brought to public attention in a newspaper (details supplied) of 10 February 2002 concerning recommendations of the National Museum of Ireland to conserve the Asgard, and in view of the cost overruns on the reconstruction of the Jeanie Johnston, consideration will be given to revoking the licence granted to alter the Asgard, and an allocation of funds will be made available to conserve the Asgard to the highest international standards; and if he will consider the construction of a dry dock at Howth with an appropriate museum to chart the history of the Asgard. [5521/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

A licence to restore the Asgard to full seagoing condition was granted to the Asgard Restoration Project Limited by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in December 1999. At a recent meeting which I had with representatives of the ARP they outlined to me the difficulties they have encountered in getting the restoration project off the ground. In the light of these difficulties and having regard to other developments since the licence was granted, I indicated that I proposed to have the future of the Asgard reviewed.

I expect that the review will be completed at an early date.