The trustees of the Beit Foundation have told the Arts Minister Heather Humphreys that they intend to press ahead with the sale of a number of paintings from the priceless Beit collection.
The first two paintings from the collection at Russborough House were sold at auction in London yesterday. They went for a combined total of approximately €156,000.
It is reported that some of those to be sold include paintings recovered after they were stolen in major art robberies.
In 1974, some 12 paintings were stolen during a robbery but later recovered in Co Cork.
In 1986 there was a further burglary, where some 18 paintings were stolen. All but two smaller paintings were recovered over the years from places as far afield as Holland and Turkey.
And 2001 and 2002. there were two further art thefts involving fewer and less valuable paintings - which were also recovered.
Earlier, the heritage organisation An Taisce said it was taking a High Court action to prevent the break-up of a priceless art collection that was gifted to the Irish people.
A press conference on is being held by the UCD School of Art History, the Irish Georgian Society and An Taisce to discuss alternative plans for funding the upkeep of Russborough House.
Sir Alfred Beit brought his collection to Russborough in the 1950s.
