Written answers

Thursday, 24 September 2009

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Arts Plan

5:00 am

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 80: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made on the new Abbey Theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32812/09]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The development of a new national theatre project is a complex undertaking. There are a myriad of technical, procedural and legal factors to address in making progress on it. The successful delivery of this project is a priority for the Department and Government in the Programme for Government and the National Development Plan.

Arising from the original Government decision, an interagency steering committee was set up to oversee the project. The committee is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives of the National Development Finance Agency, the Office of Public Works, the Abbey Theatre and Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

A project team, chaired by the Office of Public Works and comprising representatives of the same agencies as the steering group, has also been established and has met on over 21 occasions. Under its aegis the executive, technical and procedural arrangements for advancing the PPP process, are moving ahead. A considerable amount of technical, legal and financial due diligence is being undertaken to ensure that this project is progressed efficiently and so that the best solution possible is put in place.

A significant amount of detailed work has also been completed in relation to the accommodation brief for the Theatre itself and that has now been agreed.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.