Dáil debates

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Priority Questions

Arts and Cultural Projects

6:00 pm

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline his plans to acquire and convert Bank of Ireland's College Green headquarters into a cultural space; the outcome of his discussions to date with Bank of Ireland in relation to this matter; if he has considered the cost involved in converting this building into a cultural space; and if he will publish his full proposals in this regard. [22063/11]

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my replies of 24 May and 2 June 2011 on this matter. I have met the chair and chief executive of Bank of Ireland and we had a constructive engagement on the issues relating to the College Green building. These contacts are continuing.

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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That was not a particularly comprehensive reply. I was hoping for more information than that. It is a matter that is on the public agenda and it has been reported widely in the newspapers. I would have liked to have heard a clear plan for what the Minister proposes to do with the building. I acknowledge that it remains in Bank of Ireland's ownership but the State owns 36% of the same financial institution. I support the Minister in his intentions for this historic building. We are focusing on tourism as a way of generating employment. I had hoped for a clear report of exactly what has happened to date and I am disappointed this has not materialised. We should know exactly what the Minister intends to do with the building and the surrounding area. Perhaps the Minister could furnish a written reply at a later date?

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy knows, the topic is rather sensitive as meetings and discussions are ongoing, with further meetings planned. Due to the nature of these discussions, it is difficult to say much at this time. The process will continue, and as the Deputy noted, the announcement that the negotiations are continuing has received widespread welcome in the media and throughout the country.

The building in question is an iconic part of the city centre, situated in an area with a strong association with literature. Trinity College is nearby with its statues of Goldsmith - author of "The Deserted Village" - and Sheridan. It is an ideal area for a literary and cultural centre. I understand other buildings have also been considered, such as the National Museum and the National Library beside us. I am sorry we cannot provide more information at this stage but perhaps on the next Question Time, after the summer recess, if negotiations continue we may be in a position to give more concrete information. Negotiations over property and ownership can be fluid.

Dublin has already been designated as a city of literature by UNESCO and it is only proper that we have an iconic building as part of this, such as the example mentioned by the Deputy. It would provide a focus and we will see what will come from these negotiations.

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge that issues can be sensitive in negotiations. Has the Department considered the cost implications of the project? I am sure that before we considered anything, we looked at costs, which are a top priority in these straitened times. I asked about the cost implications of the works in the initial question. The Minister of State has correctly stated that this is an iconic building, and recently we saw President Obama address the large gathering with the building as a backdrop. It was used by former President Clinton as well. Nobody is questioning the historic importance of the buildings but has the Department examined cost implications?

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I am sure that with any initiative taken during these difficult economic times, costs and resources come into the equation. I am sure that if there is to be any agreement, they will make up an important element of the outcome. I have not been involved with the discussions but I am sure the Minister is very much aware of the constraints we all must operate under in these difficult times.