Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 March 2014
13. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate the exploits of Ernest Shackleton in view of the fact that 2014 is the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Endurance expedition in 1914; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10728/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate the exploits of Ernest Shackleton during 2014 as it is the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Endurance expedition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10742/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of its being the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Endurance expedition by Ernest Shackleton in 1914, I would like the Minister to outline his and his officials' plans to mark this very significant event. From his recent visit to Athy, the Minister will know about the close link between Ernest Shackleton and south Kildare. There is great interest in the region in determining how we can mark this great milestone appropriately.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 27 together.
The increasing interest being shown in the heroic activities of Irish-born Ernest Shackleton and his companions in this centenary year of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914–1917, is a welcome development. In these days of easy travel and general convenience, it is almost impossible for us to imagine the challenges and discomfort suffered by explorers on polar explorations, including several Irishmen, and to appreciate their heroic achievements. Following on the loss of the expedition ship Endurance, which was trapped in the ice from January 1915 until it was finally crushed in November 1915, the 800-mile journey of Shackleton, Worsley, Crean, Vincent, McCarthy and McNish from Elephant Island to South Georgia in April 1916 has become renowned as a truly amazing achievement. Across the years, it testifies to the fortitude of the group and their heroic resilience, seamanship and survival skills.
I am pleased to note the various projects in development in Ireland and abroad to mark the centenary of this historic expedition. Against the background of the First World War and the Irish revolution, it offers insight into a bygone age. Keeping tightly to the historic timeline, the commemorative programme will feature this expedition from its outset to its conclusion. I will continue to monitor the programme.
I have a particular interest in Shackleton because of Tom Crean. Recognition must be given to the wonderful one-man show about Tom Crean by Aidan Dooley, which has now enjoyed over 800 performances and has been seen by almost 400,000 people. If one wants a real sense of the challenge involved in the expedition, one should go to this show the next time it is in one's town.
I thank the Minister for the response. I wish to refer to a number of points and the tying in of the event to a First World War commemoration. The tale of the Endurance and of Shackleton's expedition is one of survival against the destruction of war. The Minister mentioned some proposed projects. It is proposed to have a concert in the National Concert Hall in early October. It would be very fitting and it would chart the story of Shackleton and the Endurance. It would be a perfect national commemoration of the event. It is very fitting that it would be in the National Concert Hall because Shackleton gave a talk in the building in 1909. There is a plaque in the lobby to mark the occasion.
I ask that the Minister engage with the promoters of the project to determine what support could be given to it from the State, and to see it as a national commemoration.
That is a very good proposal and I would be just delighted to speak to the Deputy and the staff of the National Concert Hall about it so as to be facilitating in every way possible.
There are a number of young students in the Visitors Gallery and they are fascinated with this story. It is important that we reach out to the education and culture sectors in general to recognise the achievements.
I understand where the Minister is coming from as Tom Crean was from his own area in Kerry. However, Kildare is trying to develop its tourism industry. Would the Minister be in favour of giving a grant to Kildare Fáilte to develop the Shackleton museum in south Kildare?
The proposal seems to be very reasonable. If the Deputy passes it on to me, I will certainly have it examined by my officials.
Is that a "Yes" or a "No"?
I will have the proposal examined but the outcome will obviously depend on resources.
