Fresh concerns raised over future of Mayo museum

A MAYO Oireachtas member has raised concerns over what he described as 'the chronic underfunding' of the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide.

Speaking in An Seanad, Dr. Keith Swanick stated: “The museum is housed in a magnificently restored pre-penal laws church.

“What makes the museum unique is that Michael Davitt was christened in the church in 1846 and is buried in the grounds of the 13th-century Straide Abbey beside the museum.

“It offered guided tours to more than 5,000 visitors in 2017; it is probable that another 5,000 visited the site over the past year.

“Despite existing on a shoestring budget, the museum offers guided tours and holds lectures, exhibitions and community events. The museum caters for larger groups, which include schools, historical societies and active retirement associations.

“It has been rated in the top ten in Ireland by TripAdvisor for 2017 and as the number one museum in the country outside of Dublin, yet the only funding it has received from central government over the past five years is a grant of €20,000 from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

“This provided a heating system for the museum and a small portakabin, which is divided into offices and a kitchen.

“Various applications have been made to the Heritage Council but no funding has ensued. Applications have also been made to the Office of Public Works, OPW, but have failed to bear fruit.

“It is essential that funding is made available to employ a small number of staff on a permanent basis. This will provide continuity and expertise.

“If this does not happen, the museum could cease to exist. We are very good at commemorating and celebrating our past in this country. It would be an awful pity to celebrate and commemorate some individuals and movements, while letting others go to rack and ruin," added the Erris-based Fianna Fáil representative.