Dáil debates

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Topical Issue Debate

Heritage Projects

4:35 pm

Photo of Joan CollinsJoan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

Having heard about this case in media reports, I subsequently received an e-mail on the issue from Sam Field-Corbett. I, too, call for a six month reprieve to allow some time for interested parties to produce a plan for the restoration of the Naomh Éanna. Mr. Field-Corbett, with whom I spoke briefly, notes in his e-mail to me that the Naomh Éanna is an iconic vessel and one of the last riveted ships built in the world. She retains many of her original fittings and machinery and, according to Mr. Field-Corbett, her ingénue will never again be seen as she represents an era of the nation's industrial heritage which people have long forgotten. Ownership issues have meant she has remained unattainable since 1986. Waterways Ireland could dismantle and put her in dry dock very quickly as local councillors and members of the community have unsuccessfully sought a reprieve for the vessel.

If restored, the Naomh Éanna could be an asset to the local community in the inner city and could also be used for tourism purposes. I understand the National Asset Management Agency and the Irish Ship & Barge Fabrication Company have expressed an interest in stepping in with an investment plan to restore her to her former beauty. It would be a great loss to Dublin and the nation if the vessel were dismantled.

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