The cost of completing the Dunbrody Famine ship in New Ross, Co Wexford, is to be examined by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources before further State funding.

The 176 ft wooden replica of a Famine emigrant ship which left Ireland in the 1840s was initially due to sail from New Ross in March of last year, but the project has been hampered by funding problems. It has cost £3 million in EU, State and other funding to date.

A consultants' report estimating that a further £1.7 million in State support will be required to complete the project was considered yesterday by the Cabinet, which referred the matter to the Department for further examination.

The Minister of State for the Marine, Mr Hugh Byrne, who represents the Wexford constituency, said the decision was a further step in the "enormous campaign" to secure support.