Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will follow on from what Senator Higgins has said. I do not know if any Senators have visited the Ordnance Survey Ireland, OSI, premises in the Phoenix Park. It is a unique and amazing premises. I have visited it and looked through many of the historical manuscripts and maps. It is an important facility. I raised this matter with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who happened to take part of this Bill, given that he has responsibility for heritage. It is a unique building and a protected structure. The historical maps and manuscripts in it are amazing.

The accuracy, colour and quality of the original ordnance and archive are rich. Many historians visit the building and a specialist trained group of people guard their job well. They love engaging. I have not been there in the past year or so, and do not know what is happening. These manuscripts are critical and need to be minded. I ask the Minister of State take that message back to the Minister. We need to be conscious of the significance, importance and great accuracy of these maps and manuscripts.