Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 25: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if an assessment on the roof of the National Gallery has been undertaken; the estimated cost of these repairs; if these repairs will commence in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27247/10]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 34: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the progress made on the master plan for the National Gallery of Ireland; the estimated cost of this project; when she expects to submit this for planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27256/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 34 together.

Remedial and refurbishment works are to be carried out in the National Gallery of Ireland, specifically to the Dargan and Milltown Wings. Problems with the existing roofs in the historic buildings of the National Gallery have been apparent for some time and they need extensive repair. The existing roof lights, replaced in the 1940s, need to be upgraded also. The proposed works will improve the existing conditions, upgrade the daylight control systems in the exhibition spaces and will provide better thermal performance of the roof. It is anticipated that the works will commence in October 2010. These works will be funded from the Vote of the Office of Public Works and as they are currently the subject of a competitive tendering process it would undermine the competitiveness of that process to publicly reveal OPW's in house working estimate of the likely cost of these works. A pre qualification notice was published on www.etenders.gov.ie on 8 June 2010 and on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 10 June 2010 in connection with the Main and Specialist Contractors with a return deadline of 12 July 2010.

The works on the roofs of the historic buildings, which will take about two years, is part of Phase 1 of the Master Development Plan for the National Gallery. The remainder of the Phase 1 works are dependent on the availability of funding. We will endeavour to coincide them with the roof works to remaximise economies of scale and cost, optimizate mobilization of construction teams and minimize gallery closures. I am fully supportive of the Gallery and the Office of Public Works in undertaking this project. The National Gallery plays an integral part in the cultural life and tourism economy of this State. This project is necessary to ensure that the historic buildings and the collections of the Gallery are protected for future generations. In addition, any enhancement of a national cultural institution also enhances the experience available to visitors.