Written answers

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Architectural Heritage

9:00 pm

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will outline any proposals he might have in relation to the State taking direct ownership of the former Irish Houses of Parliament building on College Green, Dublin, currently owned by Bank of Ireland; if such a plan exists, the public use he envisages for the building; if he will make known the response of Bank of Ireland to any such proposals raised by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21635/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies on this matter. As outlined in those replies, I met the Chair and Chief Executive of Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues. At the time of my initial suggestion, the future ownership of the Bank was in question. My raising of the College Green issue was exploratory and it came to unintended public attention. Clearly, too, it caught the public imagination.

This building was the first purpose-built Parliament in Europe. Completed in 1739, it served as Ireland's Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801. By extension, the question of its future use was entirely appropriate, given its resonances throughout public, cultural and civic life in this country. However, the ownership of Bank of Ireland is no longer a matter for debate. The building, which is its landmark building, remains in the ownership of the Bank and is the biggest of its branches. I am continuing my dialogue with the Bank on this matter and, in particular, around the Building's continued availability for arts and cultural events and purposes.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.