Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide funding under the ACCESS programme for the development of the Irish Museum of Modern Art; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4870/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Capital funding of €45 million is provided in the culture sub-programme of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, for a major development programme at the Irish Museum of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. This development programme will enhance the museum's position as a major national and international venue for the exhibition of modern art. In 2008, the museum will receive current and capital funding in excess of €8 million from the Department's Vote. The needs of IMMA are being addressed through this funding and the funding provided in the national development plan.

As ACCESS, arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, funding is primarily focused on the provision of capital funding for the building and refurbishment of arts facilities throughout the country, it is not intended that IMMA would be eligible for the scheme.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The question is incorrectly worded. However, this does not take away from the major point. Money from the NDP is earmarked for the Irish Museum of Modern Art. My question is when will this come on stream? When will decisions be made on the real need of the Irish Museum of Modern Art for additional facilities? How will the decision be made on how to proceed?

The building in Royal Hospital is beautiful despite the fact that somebody has allowed an appalling building to be built in front of it. However, it is completely unsuitable for the type of installations and large canvases which modern art rather than traditional forms of art tends to have. We need a decision to be made. It is one thing to state money is included in the NDP but when will we see bricks and mortar or a design team appointed? Has any progress been made? Is there a sign of anything happening on the horizon or is it a figure in a budget?

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Recently, I paid two visits to IMMA to see it for myself. A total of €45 million is earmarked in the cultural sub-programme of the national development plan. I wish to confirm that it does not and cannot come out of the ACCESS programme.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Yes, I realise that.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be clear on this because substantial confusion arises on it. IMMA has been offered exhibition space in the Westgate building being erected on St. John's Road near Heuston Station. The provision of this cultural space is a condition of the planning permission the developer received for the Westgate project. The offer to IMMA of this cultural space is being considered by its board at present. It is expected the board will make a decision on the matter at the end of February so we should have more information at that time.

The initial indications are that the board's response could be negative because of cost implications and logistical and other issues relating to IMMA holding exhibitions at a location other than the site at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. I expect to hear from them after their deliberations. The €45 million earmarked in the national development plan will go a long way towards resolving the issue.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I welcome the commitment of €45 million. IMMA is located in my constituency and I have a particular interest in it. It had a total of 485,000 visitors in 2007 so clearly it is one of our great cultural attractions. I hope the funding is delivered in a timely fashion.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is one of our cultural institutions and a major visitor attraction and the approach to it is in an appalling condition and the builder or someone was allowed to destroy the street approach. It has no public lighting or footpath. Any visitor getting off a train or the Luas to visit it will be appalled. It should not be allowed.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy and pay tribute to the staff of IMMA who put in a great deal of hard work. I will take up the issues she raised as soon as possible.