DistantNews
National Museum’s Collection at ‘Significant Risk’ Due to Inadequacy of Storage Building
🇮🇪 Ireland /Economy & Trade

National Museum’s Collection at ‘Significant Risk’ Due to Inadequacy of Storage Building

From Irish Times · (2d ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The National Museum of Ireland's collection is at "significant long-term risk" due to inadequate storage facilities, according to the museum's board chair.
  • The current Collections Resource Centre in Swords, Dublin, is at full capacity and lacks the necessary environmental and structural standards for preserving the approximately four million objects.
  • The museum board is urging for early pre-planning and cross-departmental engagement to secure a permanent, purpose-built solution for the national collection.

A stark warning has been issued regarding the safety of Ireland's national treasures. Prof. Cathal O’Donoghue, chair of the National Museum of Ireland's board, has highlighted that the building housing the vast collection "presents a significant long-term risk." This is primarily due to the facility being "at full capacity" and failing to meet the required standards for the long-term preservation of the museum's approximately four million objects.

presents a significant long-term risk

— Prof Cathal O’DonoghueDescribing the current storage building for the National Museum of Ireland's collection.

These objects, ranging from archaeological finds to historical carriages and costumes, are currently stored at the Collections Resource Centre in Swords, north county Dublin. While the building has served its purpose since 2010, it is described as a "non-purpose-built facility." The museum board has consistently raised concerns about the need for an alternative, more suitable location. Despite a lease extension until 2044, this provides only temporary stability and does not address the fundamental strategic challenge of inadequate storage.

is at full capacity and lacks the environmental and structural standards required for long-term collections

— Prof Cathal O’DonoghueDetailing the specific issues with the current storage facility.

O’Donoghue emphasized the "statutory obligation to preserve the national collection" which is growing "in perpetuity." He stressed that "early pre-planning is essential" to move the "vast and delicate collection," a process estimated to take seven years if thousands of objects are moved daily. The museum board has actively sought "early planning and cross-departmental engagement to progress a permanent, purpose-built solution." Such a facility would not only safeguard the collection but also ensure a more efficient use of public resources.

The specific risk relates to the length of time required to move the collection ... Early pre-planning is essential

— Prof Cathal O’DonoghueHighlighting the logistical challenges and the need for immediate planning to relocate the collection.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that only about 10 percent of the museum's collection is ever displayed to the public; the remaining 90 percent remains in storage. The Minister for Culture, Patrick O’Donovan, was scheduled to visit the facility to witness the issues firsthand, but the visit was postponed due to Dáil business. The museum board remains hopeful for a "rearranged visit" in the coming months, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure the future of Ireland's invaluable cultural heritage.

would not only safeguard the national collection but also ensure more efficient and strategic use of public resources

— Prof Cathal O’DonoghueExplaining the benefits of securing a permanent, purpose-built solution for the museum's collection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog