Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this matter. I am delighted to have the chance to talk about our national cultural institutions, particularly the National Library of Ireland, which on 20 November was granted permission by Dublin City Council for the redevelopment of the Kildare Street west wing refurbishment. The last time I asked out the national cultural institutions on a Commencement matter was 26 May, so I am delighted to be here this year to talk about the NLI. I was looking over the application to Dublin City Council, the planning permission that was granted. The development will consist of the conservation, refurbishment and adaptation of the existing west wing of the National Library of Ireland, the former book storage facility which some members of the culture committee had the chance in the last term to view. There will be a reconfigured entrance ramp off Kildare Street, a rear courtyard, the construction of a new six-storey circulation core, an extension in the rear courtyard. The proposal will provide new cultural experience comprising exhibition spaces, education spaces, café space, retail space, public facilities and ancillary accommodation. There will be a partial removal of the existing cast iron floor structure at mezzanine levels and its reuse within the proposal encompassing structural upgrade works to support these floors. I am kind of geeking out on the planning application here, as Members will appreciate. It is a wonderful plan.

Democracy is built on the ability of citizens and residents to educate themselves and one another, and to make informed decisions. It follows that the library is one of the most, if not the most democratic of all our public institutions. This is the National Library of Ireland we are talking about. I am interested in the redevelopment plans that will truly democratise this institution. In 2018, as the Minister of State knows, the Government launched the Project Ireland 2040 plan for culture and heritage, including €460 million in investment for the national cultural institutions. Our NCIs are a precious resource. They protect, preserve and give access to our country's memory. They are centres of performance and learning and offer citizens and residents opportunities to unlock their creative potential.

In the remaining time I have, now that planning permission has been granted by Dublin City Council, I hope the Minister of State will be able to tell us when contracting and procurement will begin, and when the Department of public expenditure and the Department of culture will sign off on the moneys required for construction. What is the estimated cost of construction at this point? I saw this morning on the National Library's website that the library was established in 1877 by the Dublin Science and Art Museum Act. That means our national library in 2027 will be 150 years old. Is it the Minister of State's hope, as it is mine, for these works to be completed for the 150th anniversary? That would be something very special. I welcome the Minister of State's response on these issues and any indication of when plans and construction will begin.