Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm that the plan to develop the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin, has been cancelled; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8521/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 73 together.

The next phase of the development of the National Museum at Collins Barracks is the provision of the new Centre Block building. The development of the Centre Block has not been cancelled. Progress on the project is at an advanced stage and the Office of Public Works is currently finalising tender documents, which should be ready by April. Expenditure on the project would fall mainly in 2010 and subsequent years and a final funding allocation for the Vote of the Office of Public Works where funding for this project would be provided has not as yet been decided for those years. Given the current budgetary situation, officials of my Department have been engaged with the Office of Public Works and the National Museum in order to ensure that the project will be well placed to progress immediately, when funding becomes available.

When completed the proposed Centre Block at Collins Barracks will include major new exhibition galleries on two themes. The World Culture Gallery will display the Museum's extensive ethnographical collections and the History of Ireland Gallery will trace the major economic, social and artistic developments in Ireland from the mid-17th century onwards. It will also include a facility to exhibit the Asgard sailing ship which is undergoing conservation work at present. The new Centre Block will also provide enhanced services to visitors to the Museum in reception, shop and café areas.