Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

144. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding for an event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10103/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf marks a significant milestone in the history of Ireland. I have been enormously impressed at the initiative taken by local authorities with connections to Brian Ború, the Battle of Clontarf and Ireland's Viking heritage to arrange a series of festivals and events throughout 2014. I have been equally pleased by the enormous community and voluntary interest in marking this anniversary. Although funding is very much constrained, I am pleased to have been able to support events with a national impact, including the National Museum of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin in their arrangements for joint exhibitions entitled: "Emperor of the Irish: Brian Ború and the Battle of Clontarf, 1014" and "Clontarf 1014: Brian Ború and the Battle for Dublin April to December 1014". I have also been pleased to support the Clontarf leg of the 'National Heritage Trail' development. These national-level developments, along with focused support from the National Gallery and organisations, including Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, for commemorative events represent a significant commitment from my Department to the programme.

I welcome the service being planned and I am supportive generally of the project mentioned. However, I regret that there is no funding available at this time to support this latter initiative.