Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013
132. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will support the Clontarf 2014 group in its efforts to develop sports, arts and tourism for the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf. [49686/13]
View answer133. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will support the Clontarf 2014 committee in its plans to celebrate events around the Battle of Clontarf in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49760/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos 132 and 133 together.
A number of events are set to take place during 2014 to commemorate the millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and the death of Brian Ború. In this regard, I am aware of plans being developed by Dublin City Council, Clare County Council, Fingal County Council, Armagh City and District Council, Waterford City Council and certain historical groups, community agencies and business interests with connections to the marking of this important point in Irish history.
Feedback from the wider community, voluntary and not-for-profit institutions and organisations associated with the planned commemoration has indicated the need for co-ordination, technical support and access to existing State services and facilities.
I would encourage the bringing together of the activities of Dublin City Council, Fáilte Ireland and other interested agencies and bodies, so as to achieve a commemorative programme that reflects the influence of the Vikings in Ireland and the Battle of Clontarf as a defining event in our history.
The national cultural institutions will play an important role in the commemorative arrangements. The National Museum of Ireland will hold a special exhibition on Brian Ború and the Battle of Clontarf in 2014. The programme will not only present Ireland and Europe in the later Viking Age, but also examine the continuing significance of Brian Ború and Clontarf in Irish folklore and popular imagination right up to modern times.
I will be meeting with representatives of the Clontarf 2014 Committee in the coming days to discuss the issues involved in this venture.
