Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the progress made on the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre; the position regarding the detailed assessment of the feasibility of the General Post Office as the location of the Abbey Theatre; when she expects to publish this assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20698/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Office of Public Works, my Department and the Abbey Theatre, with relevant external technical input, has commenced an assessment of the GPO complex to ascertain if it is a feasible location for the redeveloped national theatre. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and An Post are also engaged in this process.

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 and ensuring that the best solution will be put in place. Following a thorough assessment of all the issues, a report will be brought to Government in due course.