Dáil debates
Tuesday, 22 March 2005
Other Questions.
Abbey Theatre.
4:00 pm
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there has been a study into the viability of upgrading the Abbey Theatre at its present location through the purchase of adjacent buildings; if the Government has considered re-erecting the original entrance foyer or vestibule in view of the fact that the numbered stones are still available to the State in good condition, free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9165/05]
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the proposed relocation of the Abbey Theatre; the recent discussions he has had with the board and director of the theatre in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9168/05]
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 25 together.
I refer the Deputies to my answer to Priority Question No. 4.
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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I noted the Minister's comments to Deputy Deenihan in response to his priority question. Given that he alluded to possible Supreme Court action in regard to the Carlton site which may delay proceedings further, when the Minister said the existing Abbey Theatre location would not be suitable for a new facility for various reasons which included cost and time, would that not bring the existing site back into the running if a timeframe could be agreed? Is the Minister following up that possibility as well as exploring the site at the docks and sites in other areas to provide a definite site for the new Abbey Theatre during the lifetime of the Government? Is it possible at this stage or will the Minister have to consider expanding the existing site as the best of all the available options?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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We will have a site for the new national theatre during the lifetime of the Government. Four sites are in play at present. While the existing Abbey Theatre is on a very good site, were we in a position to acquire the necessary footprint, the reality of the position is that the expense of doing that and the possible delays involved do not make it a viable proposition. We ran into difficulty with the Parnell Square site because we could not buy the property we required at a market value or a reasonable amount. We could not subject taxpayers to paying an inordinate amount of money for a site that was not worth what the prospective vendors were seeking.
The Carlton site is subject to a possible judicial review and there is also the possibility of a Supreme Court appeal. This brings us back to the Dublin Docklands Authority site located at George's Dock, with which Deputy Gogarty is familiar. As of now, the position is that preliminary consultations have been entered into between the Office of Public Works and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. These negotiations are taking place without any commitment by either side.
In truth, every effort is being made to acquire the site. I accept that it is a frustrating experience but I hope we will be able to resolve it in the not too distant future.