Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 148 together.

The development of a new national theatre project is a complex undertaking. There are a myriad of technical, procedural and legal factors to address in making progress on it. The successful delivery of this project is a priority for my Department and the Government in the renewed programme for Government and national development plan. A considerable amount of technical, legal and financial due diligence was undertaken since the original announcement of the project to ensure the project was progressed and the best solution possible was put in place.

In that regard, the Office of Public Works, my Department and the Abbey Theatre, with relevant external technical input, has commenced an assessment of the GPO complex to ascertain if it is a feasible location for the redeveloped national theatre. As I indicated previously, I have good information available to me which indicates that it is a feasible location. While I do not envisage any difficulties in achieving this outcome, the matter must be examined independently by the Office of Public Works.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and An Post are also engaged in the process and a number of meetings have been held to date under the chairmanship of a senior official from my Department. As indicated, many technical issues involved in such an assessment but I wish to bring the report to Government quickly. I believe this move can be achieved. It is potentially a wonderful location and in terms of O'Connell Street and central Dublin it could be a fantastic outcome.

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