Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 125: To ask the Minister for Finance the position regarding the Shanghai International Exhibition 2010; the details of the investment by his Department; the size and purpose of the Pavilion; if it is fully run by Government agencies of if it is leased to commercial interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22711/10]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

EXPO 2010 opened in Shanghai, China on 1 May 2010 and remains open until 31 October 2010. Under the direction of the nominated Commissioner General for the Irish exhibition, the Office of Public Works was requested by the Government to design and manage the construction of the Ireland pavilion. The procurement and installation of the exhibition within the pavilion, based on an outline provided by the Commissioner General, was also overseen by the OPW.

The size of the Ireland pavilion site, based on the total site and area covered, is 3000m2.

The contract for the construction of the pavilion was placed with a local Chinese firm. The budget for building construction, exhibition installation and operation is €10m.

The Ireland Pavilion Management Team, led by the Pavilion Director, is responsible for the operation of the pavilion, the exhibition and the events programme being held in the pavilion. Promotional and commercial programmes are being prepared by the Ireland Pavilion Management Team in association with Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Culture Ireland. The Ireland pavilion will not be leased to commercial interests.