Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 525: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects renovation works to commence in the Natural History Museum; the length of time this renovation will take; the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested that the Office of Public Works bring forward the refurbishment of the Natural History Museum as a first priority project of those projects for which there is provision of €280 million in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 in respect of major capital projects in the National Cultural Institutions. Funding of €15 million has been specifically provided in the National Development Plan, 2007-2013 to address universal access and refurbishment of the Natural History Museum.

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that construction work on the Natural History Museum will begin in August 2009 and these works will take approximately eighteen months. Prior to the commencement of construction work, a design team will need be engaged, and I understand from the Commissioners of Public Works that this element is underway. The project will then advance to the preparation of tenders and the applications for planning permission and fire certificates.