Campaigners for the restoration of the gun-running yacht Asgard have welcomed a decision by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, to award a licence for the work.
The Minister made her decision after taking advice from the National Museum on the best options for the craft, which was formerly owned by Erskine Childers, and his wife, Mollie. It has been housed in Kilmainham Gaol for the last two decades.
The Asgard Restoration Project wants the vessel to be used for sail training. Last year it secured financial support of the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, for its work. However, the agreement of Ms de Valera was required to obtain the necessary licence.