Sir, - I refer to Mr Brian Palmer's letter in your issue of August 15th, saying that the building of the Jeannie Johnston is wasting taxpapers' money. Mr Palmer mentions £4 1/2 million.
The grant from the Irish Government is £750,000, spread over three years. The bulk of the money is coming from outside the State, and it is expected that 300 jobs will be created over the next four years.
A full sized replica of the Jeannie Johnston is, in my opinion, a very fine cultural exercise. The ship sailed to North America twice and to Quebec at least ten times, and she had a capacity for 200 plus passengers. This means that approximately 2,400 emigrants sailed from our shores with dignity, and knowing they would be properly fed and exercised. Dr Richard Blennahasset was commissioned by the Donovan Brothers, who owned the ship, to look after their health. No passenger was lost on the Jeannie Johnston.
We hear of so many horrors concerning the Famine, that I think it is good to remember the Jeannie Johnson and the very many comforts arranged for the passengers. Mr Palmer says: "If and when she returns". Well, she managed to return at least 12 times.
I certainly congratulate Michelle Smith for winning all her medals and conducting herself so well, and I would love to see a 50 metre swimming pool in Dublin, but not at the expense of good projects. - Yours, etc.,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.