John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I agree with Deputy Deenihan that the PPP process is a complex one and this proved to be the case with regard to the national conference centre. We are reaching the finishing line in so far as the national conference centre is concerned. Subject to certain details being agreed, it may well be possible to go on site in the not too distant future with a view to constructing the new national conference centre — at least, that is my hope.

My Department officials have learned a considerable amount about PPPs since that process started. They are very well versed in how difficult and complex the process is and this experience will stand them to good stead when they are contemplating the various stages which must be undergone in connection with the construction of the new National Concert Hall.

We have not abandoned the PPP process for the Abbey Theatre. We have decided to divorce or segregate the design concept from the PPP so that we can have an international competition which will hopefully see a result next summer. We will then proceed to the PPP. The reason I wanted an independent design for the Abbey Theatre is because it is to be a signature building for Dublin. I have often stated that despite the fact we have one of the most creative and imaginative generations ever of Irish people, there is no piece of public architecture to give expression to that creativity and imagination. This will fill that gap.

The National Concert Hall is different because it is sited at Earlsfort Terrace which is an existing and listed building. I believe that a PPP will be appropriate in this case and that the design process which is built into the PPP will not damage the prospects of us having a very fine building because the building is already a very fine one.

There are no plans to accommodate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Earlsfort Terrace. I assume this could be discussed in the context of there being a 2,000-seat hall and a smaller hall with a capacity of approximately 500, but I am not privy to any such discussions.

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