National Archives damaged by leak on top floor of building

By Claudia Savage, PA

The National Archives (NAI) in Dublin have been damaged after a leak was detected on the top floor of the building.

The leak was first flagged at the archives on Bishop Street on Wednesday morning.

Minister for Culture Catherine Martin visited the site to assess the damage and said the National Archives were an extremely valuable state resource.

“I would like to commend the staff at the NAI for their speedy management of the situation,” she said.

“The leak was detected at 7.20am and their emergency control plans were immediately activated.

“Their own staff, their facilities management company, the Office of Public Works as well as electricians, plumbers and ICT specialists were on site since early this morning to ensure the situation was brought under control in a timely fashion.”

She added: “The National Archives is an extremely valuable State resource; and its collections are of great value to those researching the political, social and economic development of Ireland from the 18th century to the present day, as well as being of great use for family and local history research.

“The department is committed to ensuring they are ed in any way to ensure their collections are secure for future generations.”

Orlaith McBride, director at the National Archives, said staff and conservation teams have been on-site all day assessing the extent of the damage.

“The special archival storage boxes and folders used by the National Archives are designed to withstand a high degree of water ingress; any damaged boxes from the affected areas have been removed to secure storage and are undergoing further examination.

“We can confirm that Census 1926 records have not been affected.

“Most of our records have already been moved off-site and are stored in secure storage elsewhere in anticipation of a major redevelopment project which is due to commence shortly.”

The National Archives building will remain closed to the public until Tuesday October 31st to allow essential works to be completed.