Sir, – Many of your readers will be aware of the dearth of church, census and other early records as a result of fire in the Four Courts in 1922. As a student of genealogy at UCD I have spent many pleasurable hours in the National Library of Ireland over the past three years. Recent warnings by Catherine Fahy, acting director of the library, of the crisis looming there and specifically of the absence of a water sprinkler system in the main body of the library, sent shivers down my spine ("National Library at 'critical point' as cutbacks hit services", September 4th).
It is impossible to put a value on the treasures which are held in the National Library of Ireland. Old books, newspapers, personal and estate papers, many containing wills and deeds, chart the history of our country. When first given access to a 17th-century lease of land in my native Tipperary, I commented how valuable this would be considered in say, the National Library of Australia. My husband rightly pointed out that the lease predated the founding of Australia and for that matter the United States of America and Canada! Think about that for a second.
As we approach the centenary of 1916, I can think of no finer nor less controversial tribute to those who died than to invest in this national institution which contains the shared history of millions, not just on these islands , but worldwide. I would urge Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys and the Government to heed Ms Fahy’s warnings. – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE McCORMICK,
Ardilea,
Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.