Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his kind wishes. The portfolio is a bit of a change from social welfare. I look forward to working with the Opposition spokespersons for the benefit of the arts, sport and tourism in Ireland.

The completion date I have for the entire project is 2010. In the course of the next three years, therefore, all these steps must be taken. The best estimate I have from the Department is a completion date, all going well, of mid-2010. We will get through all these processes in the next three years, including the design competition, the PPP development, the National Development Finance Agency, and the procurement process. In the coming 36 months, all of those hurdles must be overcome.

I would like to see a landmark building emerging from this development. This generation has been slow to provide such edifices. The quality of architecture is first class and that is why I am glad we are holding a truly international competition. This generation has been somewhat shy, however, in leaving the nation with some good, iconic, landmark buildings. This will be an opportunity to do so.

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