Ireland's top university has rejected renewed efforts in the 40-year
battle to have the priceless Book of Kells returned to its home town.
Trinity
College Dublin has dismissed the latest attempts by campaigners to
strike a deal to share the world-renowned ancient manuscripts.
Despite
several failed attempts at a homecoming, council and tourism bosses in
the Co Meath town have revived efforts to haggle with academics and in a
bid to boost tourism.
But Trinity chiefs rejected the approach, citing preservation, safety and security of the irreplaceable manuscript.
"Its
display and storage are subject to very careful environmental controls
and security. Additionally, a team of conservation specialists in the
library's conservation department look after the manuscript's
preservation," said a college spokeswoman.
"The preservation,
safety and security of the manuscript are paramount in relation to
requests for loan received by Trinity College."
Aidan Wall,
chairman of Kells Tourism Forum, said a deal to share the famous works
would bring tourists to both Trinity and Kells.
"We believe by
having part of the book in Kells and part in Trinity the total number of
visitors overall would be increased - we are not out to do any harm,"
he said.
"I think it's time to share it. There's no reason two volumes or one volume could not be in Kells."
The
ornate Book of Kells containing the four Gospels in Latin was written
around the year 800 and taken to Trinity by Henry Jones, an officer in
Oliver Cromwell's army, after it was discovered in 1654 in St Columba's
Church in Meath.
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