Sir, - Dick Roche TD is quoted (The Irish Times, August 3rd), as suggesting that Asgard should be housed in Wicklow Gaol rather than being restored as a sail-training vessel.
The Asgard Restoration Project has been campaigning for over four years to reinstate Erskine Childers's yacht to sea-going condition to serve as a National Heritage Vessel, not a sail trainer, despite how well she served in that capacity in another time.
Indeed, recently we up-dated each member of the Oireachtas on the current status of our campaign. Regarding a move to Wicklow Gaol, surely Asgard, distinguished old lady that she is, having served nearly 25 years in Kilmainham Gaol, has paid her dues, even if she is only a wooden vessel. - Yours, etc.
Tim Magennis, Asgard Restoration Project, Killiney, Co Dublin.