Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

If the current site is unsuitable, the Carlton seems to be the only alternative if the new theatre is to be located in the city centre. As the centenary of the Abbey Theatre is on 27 December would it not be prudent to make an announcement by then to celebrate that event? To ensure a speedy decision, will the Minister request his Department to engage with the OPW and Dublin City Council and examine the Carlton site to see if it meets the criteria for suitability? When the judgment is publicised the site can then be deemed suitable or unsuitable and we will not have to go through the same scenario we are going through with the Abbey Theatre site over the past two years.

See this speech in context