Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To answer the last question first, it is currently a ten-year partnership. I am sure this can be re-examined when the ten years are up. We will leave that for now.

We are working to make progress on the project as a priority. Expressions of interest for the use of the facility were invited through public advertisement on my Department's website. Those expressions have been considered by an assessment panel, and I intend to announce the successful applicant in the near future.

The bank is applying to Dublin City Council for planning permission for works to convert the building into a culture and heritage centre. It is anticipated that the building will be ready for use in 2016. The license arrangement had to be agreed, and this took some time as there was no precedent for it. A number of issues had to be addressed at the same time, such as planning permission and the restoration plan. It is an historic building and the project is close to being concluded.

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