Sir,
With keen interest, I perused Frank McDonald’s insightful and impressively outlined article, “Dublin’s iconic US embassy building is turning 60. Here’s why Washington should donate it to Ireland” (The Ticket, May 18th), featuring the US Embassy slated to be unoccupied in Ballsbridge. My father, Michael Scott, played a significant role as the Irish executive architect, alongside the accomplished American architect, John Johansen, during the project’s construction phase.
The article rightly applauds the distinguished architectural design and the innovative and superior construction, which both gained global recognition upon completion.
I am in full agreement with McDonald’s proposal that the building should serve a cultural purpose rather than being utilised commercially. It would be perfectly befitting to transform the building into a museum with a focus on commemorating and documenting the special and remarkable tight bond between America and Ireland in various realms such as politics, arts, education, research, music, theatre, sport, and the like, dating back to the inception of the Irish State. It’s worthy to note that the Abbey Theatre’s inaugural tour abroad in 1928 was to America.
The influential role played by America through lobbying and support was instrumental in Ireland attaining independence in 1920 and also proved crucial in securing the Belfast Agreement in 1998, which brought peace to the island.
On the flip side, the vast Irish diaspora, projected at 40 million, many of whom share a fondness and loyalty for Ireland, have provided substantial contributions to America.
Proposing to the US government that they lease the building and site for a nominal rent to a joint American/Irish entity is not an unreasonable idea. This entity would arrange the brief, select consultants, supervise the renovation design and completion, arrange content, and devise a schedule of evolving events to bring to fruition a world-class museum housed in this most majestic edifice.
Should the venture not succeed, as we hope it wouldn’t, the US would retain ownership of both the site and asset.
This American/Irish company with directors drawn from both nations, with endorsement from their respective governments, would endeavour to garner the necessary funds from the myriad of American companies operating prosperously in Ireland, and likewise, Irish companies flourishing in America.
There’s potential for these funds to materialise, and hence the expenses involved would be offset against the State.
This proposition would enable the creation of a much needed museum that would accurately capture and exhibit the profound and intimate connection that America and Ireland share.
Undoubtedly, it would make for an extremely admired and suitable next-door to the suggested neighbouring American embassy. – Yours faithfully, NIALL SCOTT, from Sneem, County Kerry.