John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 34 together.

A major redevelopment of the National Gallery took place with the completion of the new millennium wing which was formally opened on 21 January 2002. At present, No. 5 South Leinster Street, which forms part of the National Gallery, is being renovated and refurbished. Approximately €5 million is being devoted to this project. The basement area of the building is being reinstated and the building fabric is being structurally stabilised. This will be an authentic restoration of a mid-18th century four storeys over basement terraced house with a substantial amount of late 18th century joinery and plasterwork. Work is expected to be finished around mid-2007.

Further works at the National Gallery are being discussed by officials of the Office of Public Works and my Department in the context of the national development plan for 2007 to 2013. The Office of Public Works hopes to have design consultants in place by the end of the year. The matter will be considered further when a design report is completed.

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