Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for this detailed response. I am a little disappointed that the main ceremony will not be held at the Back Lawn site. While I acknowledge public safety concerns have to be of paramount importance, the town park is a good distance from the site. If it is the most suitable for it, there is little I can do about it, however. I am glad the Minister is looking at having a separate event at the commemorative garden. Some side event should be held there, given the significance of the Back Lawn where Liam Mellows congregated with his comrades in 1916. It would be particularly fitting for the Athenry Tidy Towns committee and the commemorative committee for all the work they have done in this regard. It would also be an acknowledgement of their fund-raising efforts and work to make a commemorative garden, leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Athenry after the 1916 commemoration events.I respect and acknowledge that the Senator has accepted that we cannot move on this for reasons of public safety and other issues. However, the Minister's intention to do something is obvious. If the Senator has ideas she should bring them forward. The Minister will be more than receptive once it is done through Galway County Council. Any idea would be worthwhile and seriously looked at.