Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in regard to the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre; if he has brought the issue before Government in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21021/06]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timescale for the provision of the new Abbey Theatre at George's Docks, including the possible commencement and completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21035/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 41 together.

In July 2005, the Government authorised investigative surveys to be carried out at the George's Dock site to inform further decisions on the development of the theatre there. At my request, the Office of Public Works arranged detailed examination of the site, including archaeological, geotechnical and structural surveys. On the basis of the favourable conclusions emerging from these studies the Government in December 2005 approved the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock and agreed that my Department, in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, the Office of Public Works, and the National Development Finance Agency, would examine possible procurement models, including PPP options.

KPMG were commissioned to carry out a cost effectiveness study of the proposed relocation of the National Theatre under various procurement options. The conclusions emerging from the KPMG study are currently being evaluated by my Department in consultation with the other Agencies to which I have referred and I expect to be in a position to report back to Government on the issues in the very near future. I am not yet in a position to specify possible commencement and completion dates.