The Irish Museum of Modern Art has confirmed that a temporary mortuary will be erected on its grounds in Kilmainham.

The museum said the facility would significantly impact on public access to the grounds – but noted that it is determined to help the national effort in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Yesterday, the Government confirmed that temporary mortuaries would be established to deal with an expected surge in COVID-19 deaths.

Liz Canavan, Chair of the Senior Officials Group for the COVID-19 emergency response said authorities were putting a range of medical infrastructure in place to “deal with the surge when it comes.”

 

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Statement from IMMA, 27 March 2020. As the country prepares Public Heath facilities to deal with Covid 19, we have been requested to facilitate the construction of a temporary mortuary on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. We are determined to assist with the national effort while realising that this impacts on public access to the site significantly. While this is, of course, a reminder of the seriousness of this situation, the dignity and solemn beauty of the grounds is appropriate. We think with great compassion and respect for the families of those who may need these facilities in the times to come. We thank you for your understanding. Any further queries should be directed to the Government Information Services email press.office@taoiseach.gov.ie

A post shared by IMMA (@immaireland) on Mar 27, 2020 at 5:55am PDT

In a statement IMMA said: “While this is, of course, a reminder of the seriousness of this situation, the dignity and solemn beauty of the grounds is appropriate.”

“We think with great compassion and respect for the families of those who may need these facilities in the times to come.

“We thank you for your understanding.”

Last night, the Chief Medical Office Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that ten more COVID-19 patients had died – bringing the total in the Republic to 19.

Meanwhile the number of confirmed cases rose by 255 to 1,819.

Dr Holohan warned that we are “only at the beginning” of the coronavirus curve.