National Gallery pays tribute to former Taoiseach Charles J. Haughey.

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 14th 2006

The National Gallery of Ireland notes with sadness the recent death of Charles J. Haughey and extends its sympathies to his family.

During his term as Taoiseach in the late 1980s and early 1990s the Gallery operated under the aegis of Mr. Haughey's department at a critical time in its history when the complex of buildings on Merrion Square had fallen into serious disrepair.

At this time, with the support of the Department of the Taoiseach and the Office of Public Works, a two-phase refurbishment project for the Gallery was initiated; the first to address immediate and outstanding concerns; the second to address the problem in a more substantial and strategic manner, and completed in 1996 to great acclaim (Milltown Wing/Beit Wing/ Atrium space).

It was also at this time, during Mr. Haughey's term as Taoiseach, that plans for the Millennium Wing were first mooted and again, with his support, a way forward to realise this landmark project was agreed. Subsequently in the mid 1990s he agreed to chair the National Gallery of Ireland Foundation, which succeeded in raising the necessary funds for the Millennium Wing Project.

Charles J. Haughey was a great supporter of the arts and had a great appreciation of the contribution of the arts to Irish society, including the National Gallery of Ireland.

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