Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
702. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update report on the national famine commemoration in 2015; when and where the commemoration will be held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15161/15]
View answerThe 2015 Famine Commemoration will take place on Saturday, 26th September, in Newry, County Down. In recognition of the fact that the Great Famine affected all parts of the island, the location of the annual Famine Commemoration has rotated in sequence between the four provinces since the first commemoration took place in Dublin in 2008. In 2011 the commemoration was held in Clones, Co. Monaghan, and with 2015 once again marking Ulster’s turn to host, it has been agreed, in consultation with the key stakeholders, to bring the Famine Commemoration to Northern Ireland.
The newly established Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will play the lead role in organising the commemoration and my Department, along with Northern Ireland’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, will work with the Council and other stakeholders to maximise the reach of the commemoration and its associated activities. I believe that the local community will bring a unique perspective to remembering one of the most significant periods in our shared history and I look forward to participating in the event in Newry in September.
