Dublin Docklands to acquire Jeanie Johnston
The Docklands Authority confirms that it is moving towards a contract to purchase the famine replica ship, the Jeanie Johnston from its previous owners – Kerry Group plc; Shannon Development and Kerry County Council/Tralee Town Council.
The Docklands Authority plans to locate the Jeanie Johnston upstream of the new pedestrian bridge on Custom House Quay creating a new visitor attraction on the River Liffey. The ship will be right beside the striking Rowan Gillespie famine sculpture and together, they will operate as a national monument to the famine. The Docklands Authority is also interested in partnering with organisations to take advantage of sail training and other opportunities.
Peter Coyne, Chief Executive, Dublin Docklands Authority said “We are delighted to be able to provide a permanent Irish home for the Jeanie Johnston on Dublin’s River Liffey. It will be a major visitor attraction for the Docklands area, and fits ideally with our river regeneration focus.
“Few attractions exist in Dublin telling the horrific story of the Irish famine of the 1800s. The Jeanie Johnston and the Rowan Gillespie famine statutes can be viewed together as a national monument commemorating this important part of Irish history. It is planned to develop them as a major new Dublin tourist attraction at the gateway to Dublin’s Docklands”
The Jeanie Johnston will participate in this year’s Docklands Maritime Festival from 17th-19th June and is also committed to taking part in the Tall Ships Festival in Waterford in July.
Background: The Jeanie Johnston was built at a cost of €14 million as a Millennium Project to celebrate the historic links between Ireland and North America. The recreation of the Jeanie Johnston was one of the most ambitious maritime heritage projects ever undertaken in Ireland. The ship is an exact replica of the Irish famine ship with some minor adjustments to meet current maritime standards.
The Jeanie Johnston currently operates as a museum when in port and is certified by the Marine Surveyor’s Office (MSO) as a Class A Sail Training Vessel and has a Class VI Passenger License for day sailings.
Up to 29 sail trainees can be accommodated on board the Jeanie Johnston along with a core crew of 11.
For further information, please contact: Loretta Lambkin, Docklands Authority, Tel 01 818 3300 or Sheila Gahan, WHPR, Tel 01 669 0030/087 234 2409