Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an organisation (details supplied) will be accommodated on the proposed extended National Concert Hall site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34708/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has agreed to the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall at its existing location on Earlsfort Terrace. It is proposed that the redeveloped Concert Hall will incorporate a main auditorium with a seating capacity for 2,000 patrons, the existing auditorium which will be retained as a rehearsal hall and a mid-scale public performance space, and a smaller flexible hall with a seating capacity of approximately 500. The redeveloped Concert Hall will also meet the requirement for universal access.

The proposal incorporates easy access for large articulated trucks transporting orchestral and concert equipment.

It is envisaged that the Earlsfort Terrace buildings would be re-united with the Iveagh Gardens, facilitating increased public access. New public rooms, cafes and restaurants would over-look the Gardens and the city.

There is no proposal to relocate the Royal Irish Academy of Music in the redeveloped National Concert Hall.