Statement: National Museum of Ireland

The National Museum of Ireland would like to clarify that reports in today’s media that the Museum’s four sites face imminent closure or that entry charges are to be introduced are incorrect.

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND

PREAS RÁITEAS THAR CEANN ARD-MHÚSAEM NA hÉIREANN

The National Museum of Ireland would like to clarify that reports in today’s media that the Museum’s four sites face imminent closure or that entry charges are to be introduced are incorrect. 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.

The Board of the National Museum had discussed a number of options for cost saving in the context of addressing the financial pressures facing the Museum in 2015. 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.