Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the acquisition of a new location for the Abbey Theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15396/04]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government, on 29 January 2003, authorised me to invite expressions of interest by way of public invitation from the private sector in participating, on the basis of a PPP, in the capital redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre in and/or around the vicinity of the site of the existing theatre. My Department, with the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works, has been working to implement that decision.

In order to be compatible with the functions, profile and status of a national theatre and to address the acknowledged defects with the existing theatre a re-developed premises requires: to be a signature development, representative of a national theatre in the 21st century; to be in an appropriate civic setting and form part of the overall urban regeneration represented by the O'Connell Street integrated area plan and the north-east inner city plan; three significant enlarged auditoria, namely, the Abbey, the Peacock and a third multi-purpose space; a dedicated education and outreach facility; a publicly accessible archive; a restaurant-bar; improved public areas; disabled access for audiences and artists; and best practice theatre production facilities.

For the Abbey and the Peacock to function efficiently, effectively and without compromise, their basic functioning must not depend on movement of goods and people by mechanical lift. In essence, this means that the stages of both the Abbey and Peacock theatres must be positioned at ground level. In addition, both theatres must have easy access, also at the same level, to the scenery store and the prop store. It is agreed between the management of the Abbey and the OPW that there is a requirement for a ground floor footprint that is considerably larger than now exists. For the theatre to remain in its existing location, it will, therefore, be necessary to acquire properties adjacent to the existing premises.

Indications are that such acquisition will prove very costly and problematic in respect of timescale. My Department and the OPW are carefully examining all of the issues now arising and I intend to present my conclusions to Government in the near future. My personal preference, in common with that of many other cities around the world, would be for the theatre to be re-developed at its exiting location but I cannot ignore the realities of price and design. I assure Deputy Deenihan of my determination to have decisions taken on the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre in this its centenary year.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Will the Minister rule out of the equation, once and for all, the current site of the theatre? His reply seems to suggest it has not yet been fully ruled out, which is creating confusion.

In view of the fact that the High Court judgment in the case involving the Carlton cinema site, which was held two months ago, is imminent, is the Minister of the opinion that it would be opportune for the OPW, Dublin City Council and officials from his Department to consider the site to which I refer to see if it would meet the necessary criteria, particularly that relating to the fact that development would have to take place at ground floor level? Have discussions or consultations taken place between the people and bodies to which I refer? If so and if the judge rules in favour of Dublin City Council, does the Minister believe the Carlton cinema site is now the preferred option?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The current site has not yet been ruled out. We need further information but there is no doubt that a serious problem exists regarding the acquisition of properties. The Carlton cinema site offers one alternative. We have not yet examined that site. However, if the Office of Public Works reports a definite view to me, I will take a view on the matter. At this point it is too early to say. Indications are there are significant difficulties with the current site. There is no point in denying or hiding from that. I would be disposed towards the Carlton site or any other in the city centre which would provide a location for the theatre. It should be in the city centre if possible, as is the position for national theatres in other countries.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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If the current site is unsuitable, the Carlton seems to be the only alternative if the new theatre is to be located in the city centre. As the centenary of the Abbey Theatre is on 27 December would it not be prudent to make an announcement by then to celebrate that event? To ensure a speedy decision, will the Minister request his Department to engage with the OPW and Dublin City Council and examine the Carlton site to see if it meets the criteria for suitability? When the judgment is publicised the site can then be deemed suitable or unsuitable and we will not have to go through the same scenario we are going through with the Abbey Theatre site over the past two years.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware it is the centenary year of the Abbey Theatre and naturally because of that I am anxious to provide an answer to the problem faced by the theatre. I will do everything I can to come to an early conclusion.