Mr. Niall Ó Donnchú:

It is important to note that the complexion of the master development plan has changed very significantly since 2000. The original plan was for a significantly larger footprint, involving more than the refurbishment of the historic wings. For instance, a significant property purchase was envisaged at one point, with a new building connecting the millennium wing to the historic wings. There was never an infusion of significant capital to arts infrastructure at any point. The prioritisation of capital developments within the arts sector was a policy prioritisation beginning with the millennium wing in 2000, moving through the Collins Barracks development in 2002 and on to the National Gallery development in 2010. Over that period, the complexion of the plan had to change very significantly.

The prioritisation now is to address the fabric of the historic wings, to in-fill between those wings and restore them to their 1860 and 1903 state, respectively. It is a very significant project. Overhanging all of this was significant uncertainty as to when resources could be secured for the development plan. It is a tripartite funding arrangement involving the gallery's own resources and the Exchequer.