John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with everything Deputy Deenihan has said. While an excellent case can be made for the redevelopment of the hall, the Government must have regard to priorities when it comes to sanctioning substantive spending. In that context we are making the best possible case on behalf of the concert hall.

There are two costs involved: the cost of the site and the cost of the redevelopment of the building. These costs will both require Exchequer funding. Site cost valuation by UCD is in excess of €42 million and the building costs are estimated at €135 million with the total cost estimated at approximately €177 million.

The construction of a new auditorium with a capacity for up to 2,000 patrons, together with a smaller, flexible configuration of a recital auditorium with a capacity for up to 400 patrons, is proposed. It is envisaged events could take place simultaneously in both. The existing auditorium would be refurbished to be used by the National Symphony Orchestra for rehearsals and performances. Its current capacity of 1,200 seats would reduce to approximately 900 seats. However, it is not possible to confirm whether a three hall configuration would be adopted in the final analysis. It would be a matter of closely examining the financial costs and yield associated with such a proposal.

The proposed project is still at the feasibility stage and no architectural drawings have been made to date. It is important and interesting to note that the Office of Public Works is of the view that the project is not really suitable for a public private partnership arrangement.

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