I welcome the Minister of State to the House. While I am disappointed that the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands is not here, the Minister of State with her various hats and her knowledge of the area in question will hopefully be able to take back what I have to say to the Minister.
The Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire has been of tremendous interest over many years and is one of the main such museums in Ireland. There are many historic aspects to it, and it contains many fine heirlooms, particularly relating to Dún Laoghaire but also to the general maritime area. It has many maritime effects and has a long history. It is very important that the museum be maintained but it needs to be relocated. The collection should be sited elsewhere, probably in a purpose built building. I appeal to the Minister of State, as a local representative, her colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, to ensure that discussions take place with a view to providing an alternative venue. This should be a permanent location.
I accept that the Minister's Department has no statutory responsibility in this area, but I know that support has been given and that a grant was given for urgent repairs at the museum. I ask that the relevant Ministers meet with the main people in charge of the Maritime Museum with a view to carrying out necessary work. Obviously the alternative location should be in the Dún Laoghaire area. We have heard various proposals in relation to the Carlisle Pier. As the Minister of State is aware, there has been substantial development in the harbour area relating to the Town Hall, Marine Road, George's Street, and the development and improvement of the car ferry. The museum could be part and parcel of the ongoing improvements. I hope that discussions take place with the relevant authorities.
I know that the Minister of State will support me, wearing both her Minister's hat and her local Deputy's hat. I ask her to be as positive as possible in her response. It is important that discussions take place. I have an open mind on where the new museum should go but there should be a decision in principle that another location be found. There are ongoing problems at the current site and money could be pumped in there wastefully. A more suitable location could be found. I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House.