10 Samh 2016, 17:10
10 November 2016
The Houses of the Oireachtas and the National Museum of Ireland have announced that, following constructive discussions, agreement has been reached to temporarily relocate the chamber of Seanad Éireann to the Ceramics Room of the National Museum.
Speaking at today’s announcement the Ceann Comhairle and Chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD, said ‘I would like to sincerely thank the Board, the Director and staff of the National Museum for their assistance during these positive discussions. I am aware that the Board and Director have worked extremely hard on behalf of the Museum over the past number of weeks and that this was not an easy decision for them to reach. We are therefore extremely grateful to them for facilitating the temporary relocation of the Seanad. We are committed to ensuring that the integrity of the museum will be maintained and respected at all times during the relocation, which is expected to run for a period of 18 months.”
“In order to facilitate meetings of the Seanad in the National Museum, some works will have to be carried out and the Office of Public Works will now commence the process of preparing detailed plans and tender documentation. As part of the agreement, the Houses of the Oireachtas will fund the refurbishment of an area for future use by the Museum as a public exhibition space and funds will be made available for the construction of a new lift which will be of long-term benefit to the Museum in facilitating public access. The cost of these works will be set through a public tender process, carried out in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. The Houses of the Oireachtas have also offered that the Ceramics Room would be available to the Museum for seminars and lectures when the Seanad is in recess.”
“The Houses of the Oireachtas has long enjoyed excellent relations with our neighbouring cultural institutions and this historic agreement is a further demonstration of this. As has been noted before, the Georgian part of Leinster House requires urgent and extensive restoration work to preserve the building for future generations, and we very much appreciate the cooperation of the National Museum in relation to this important conservation project.”
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Verona Ní Bhroinn
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 3881
M: +353 87 262 4132
verona.nibhroinn@oireachtas.ie
Liam O'Brien,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 86 189 5098
liam.obrien@oireachtas.ie