Councillors in Kells, Co Meath, say that they will consider legal action to enable them to display the Book of Kells in the town's new heritage centre if Trinity College refuses their request to put it on exhibition.
The UDC wants it and a number of other treasures associated with the town to be on display at the same time for an exhibition to mark the millennium entitled "Once in a Thousand Years". The heritage centre is expected to open in May and they hope to hold the exhibition for one month in July or August.
The campaign has the support of the Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, and a local TD, Mr Johnny Brady. At a meeting of Meath Archaeological and Historical Association last week Dr Smith appealed for the book to be put on display during the exhibition.
Over £1 million is being spent on restoring the former courthouse, designed by Francis Johnson, into a heritage centre. This includes over £50,000 to replicate the environmental and security measures in Trinity Library. Last year about half a million people visited the library to see the book.
"We want to bring together and display all of the history of Kells. When we looked at the whole heritage of Kells we found it was amazing in terms of its history and contribution to civilisation", explained Mr Joe Crockett, the assistant county manager for Meath. "There is the Book of Kells, the Crozier, the Cathach manuscript, the shrine of the Cathach and the casket of the Miosach."
He has approached TCD, the British Museum and the other institutions which are currently home to the treasures. TCD has refused to accede to the town's request and the decision to send the book to Australia for an exhibition has provoked anger.
"In the centre we can, and will, replicate the security in Trinity College, so there will be absolutely no risk to the book", said the chairman of Kells UDC, Mr Brian Reilly.