Cathaoirleach pledges financial support for Michael Davitt Museum

THE Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council has informed the board of the Michael Davitt Museum that he is committed to supporting them financially in the 2024 annual budget.

Last month, members of Mayo County Council were informed at its monthly meeting that the future of the museum is uncertain due to the rising energy costs associated with the museum in the last 12 months.

Yvonne Corcoran Loftus, the curator of the museum located in Michael Davitt's home village of Straide said that museum suffered a €26,000 deficit in 2022 and this year the electricity bill for the first six months exceeds that for the whole of 2022.

Ms Corcoran Loftus asked the councillors for financial support for the museum and speaking at an event in the museum recently, Cllr Michael Loftus, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council said councillors will agree to support them in next year's budget.

“Yvonne was a great hit with the council in her presentation and the response from the councillors was so positive and from a financial point of view that will be reflected in the budget in November. It will be something I would like to put in on our behalf as councillors to support the Michael Davitt museum and to help in any way that we can,” Cllr Loftus said.

Thanks

MS Corcoran-Loftus thanked Cllr Loftus for his support and said she looked forward to receiving the funding to keep the museum open.

The museum largely relies on GMA funding allocated by local councillors to remain operational. Last year the museum received €15,200 in GMA funding but the year before they received €8,950 and this year they have to date been allocated €2,200 from three councillors.

Ms Corcoran Loftus told the meeting recently that admissions alone for this year was covering the energy costs and without regular funding the museum will not be viable.

“Without GMA funding survival would be extremely challenging for us,” she said. “Dedicated funding would ensure the museums sustainability, bills would be paid when they are due and the doors would remain open. This would allow us to grow the museum as a first grade tourism facility and ensure the collection is cared for to the required standard. Extra funding would allow us to explore more ambitious projects and reach new markets. What is important is that funding is found in the council budget to ensure our work can continue. By promoting Michael Davitt and what he stood for will also be great for great county and its people,” she said.

The museum which first opened in 1984 but closed in 2012 due to financial concerns before opening again in 2013.