THE SEANAD WILL temporarily relocate to the Ceramics Room of the National Museum.
In a statement, the House of the Oireachtas said the decision comes after “constructive discussions” with the museum.
The move, which is expected to cost around €1.5 million, is to accommodate renovations at Leinster House.
An Taisce had previously lodged complaints about the move to Dublin City Council’s planning department.
The national trust said it was prompted to act after the digging of a foundation pit for a lift that is to be attached to the outside of the protected building, which is said happened “in the absence of either planning permission or an exemption.”
“The museum has no spare space for the temporary convenience of vagrant Senators,” An Taisce added.
‘Integrity of museum’
Speaking about the relocation, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he was “extremely grateful” to the museum for facilitating the temporary move.
We are committed to ensuring that the integrity of the museum will be maintained and respected at all times during the relocation, which is expected to run for a period of 18 months.
“In order to facilitate meetings of the Seanad in the National Museum, some works will have to be carried out and the Office of Public Works will now commence the process of preparing detailed plans and tender documentation.
As part of the agreement, the Houses of the Oireachtas will fund the refurbishment of an area for future use by the museum as a public exhibition space and funds will be made available for the construction of a new lift which will be of long-term benefit to the museum in facilitating public access.
“The cost of these works will be set through a public tender process, carried out in conjunction with the Office of Public Works. The Houses of the Oireachtas have also offered that the Ceramics Room would be available to the Museum for seminars and lectures when the Seanad is in recess.”
TheJournal.ie has contacted An Taisce for comment.
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