05/12/2014

National Museum Denies Closure Claims

The National Museum of Ireland has denied reports that its sites are facing "imminent closure", or that they are planning to introduce entry charges.

Earlier today, it was reported in the media that the Museum's four sites were at risk of closure due to financial difficulties. Since 2008, the museum has suffered a 40% cut in its state funding.

But in a statement released on Friday (5 December), the National Museum of Ireland clarified: "No decision on the closure of sites or on the introduction of charges has been taken by the Board and no recommendations have been made to the Minister of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht in this regard.

"The Museum's four sites are and will remain open to visitors and entry to all Museum sites is free. The Board remains committed to the principle of free entry. So far this year, the Museum has welcomed over 1 million visitors."

It added that the Board had "discussed a number of options for cost saving in the context of addressing the financial pressures facing the Museum in 2015", but said the Minister "has been very supportive of the Museum's case and has been engaging with the Chairman of the Board on the matter.

"Over the past months the Director and executive of the Museum have been working with the Minister and officials in her Department to resolve these issues. No further comment will be made at this time."

The National Museum of Ireland currently operates four exhibition centres; three of which are located in Dublin and one in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

(JP/IT)

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