Vital cultural resource must be protected from cuts

December 8th: Unite’s Archaeology Branch – which represents archaeologists working on projects throughout the country – has called on the Government to give commitments regarding future funding of the National Museum of Ireland.   Welcoming Minister Heather Humphrey’s announcement of extra funding for the museum following warnings that the institution might have to reduce its services, Unite Archaeology said it was crucial for the museum to be able to rely on a secure long-term funding stream.

“The Irish National Museum plays a vital role in protecting and promoting our heritage, and both Irish and international researchers depend on it.

“This includes the commercial archaeologists represented by Unite, who rely on the museum’s services to ensure the timely delivery of development-led archaeological projects.

“While Minister Humphreys’ announcement last week averted an immediate threat to the Museum’s services, the Museum needs to be able to rely on an enhanced, secure and long-term funding stream in order to deliver its services”, the statement concluded.