The centenary anniversary of the 1916 Rising represents a significant opportunity in the public life of our nation to remember the actions and sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. There have been many approaches to commemorating these actions throughout the country. These include the creation of monuments and other items mentioned by the Deputy.
Naturally we would want them to be presented in as good a condition as is possible for 2016. In this regard, I would encourage local authorities to undertake such works as is possible from within their own resources.
The Government's priority concern has been to plan a number of significant capital projects that would provide a lasting legacy of the centenary of the Rising. Capital funding has been made available for a number of key projects and an announcement in relation to an allocation from Stimulus Funding of €22 million for 2015 was made on 13 May last. The flagship projects to be funded include:
- the development of a permanent interpretive centre at the GPO;
- the digitisation and provision of a permanent home for the Military Service Pensions Archive;
- the development of visitor facilities at Kilmainham Courthouse;
- the conservation of Richmond Barracks;
- a tenement museum in Henrietta Street, and
- a visitor centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Ros Muc.
Significant refurbishment and development works are also to be carried out at the National Archives headquarters and at the National Concert Hall.
Because of the time required for the completion of these projects, the Government has accorded them priority with regard to the available funding for commemorations.
I also welcome the many commemorative initiatives by the national cultural institutions, local authorities, academic centres, ex-service organisations, community and history groups that have recently marked aspects of centenary history.
While accepting the benefits of the availability of funds to local communities, I should stress that there is no formal scheme for funding available from my Department at this time for such projects.
The possibility of funding of events and projects at community and local authority level will fall to be examined in future budgetary discussions.
