Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
378. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans that exist to celebrate and commemorate the Irish born, internationally recognised and celebrated arctic explorer, Ernest Shackleton's 150th anniversary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16496/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlthough a figure of international renown, Shackleton's memory is particularly memorialised in Ireland, Great Britain, and in New Zealand (Antarctic Heritage Trust). Born in Athy in 1874, the family moved to London when Ernest was 10. Shackleton is very much part of the 'shared heritage' of Britain and Ireland - in which context it was pleasing to note that the new memorial plaque at Westminster Abbey incorporated both Kilkenny limestone and Connemara marble in acknowledgement of his Irish identity.
His 150th anniversary will be of great significance in his native County Kildare, as well as more broadly remembered in Ireland and further afield. I understand that there are planned events in Dublin and London for the 150th anniversary of the birth of Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Following the conclusion of the Decade of Centenaries, the Government has agreed to adopt a supportive and facilitative approach to commemorations, in the context of the annual budgets and funding available. I have approved a grant funding allocation of €15,000 for every local authority in 2024, to assist local authorities in developing or supporting community-led initiatives to commemorate the centenaries of significant historical events in the early years of the State, as well as other significant anniversaries and associated themes.
If the Deputy is aware of any specific plans or proposals for funding in this regard, I would be happy to give these due consideration in the context of my Department’s support for commemorative activities and the funding available.
