Written answers
Wednesday, 2 October 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Departmental Projects
Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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21. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he expects the proposed national centre for research and remembrance to advance; when physical works will be carried out; the services that will be provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38751/24]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In March 2022 Government approved high level proposals for the National Centre for Research and Remembrance, to be located on the site of the former Magdalen Laundry in Sean McDermott Street, Dublin 1. The National Centre will comprise:
- a museum and exhibition space, to be led by the National Museum of Ireland;
- a research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives;
- a place for reflection and remembrance;
- social housing, configured to universal design standards and appropriate for older persons and persons with disabilities;
- further and higher educational facilities; and
- community-based family and parenting support facilities.
In July 2022 Dublin City Council voted to transfer the site to the OPW. The OPW is continuing essential maintenance works on the site to facilitate safe and full access and necessary building surveys.
In July 2023, Government approved the masterplan for the National Centre campus and a preliminary business case for the main National Centre buildings (museum and archive). In March 2024 it approved the preliminary business case for the full National Centre Campus.
The development of the National Centre is multi-annual in nature. Extensive work is continuing on the development of a detailed project plan including timelines for development, with a number of Government departments and agencies acting in partnership. It is anticipated that an application for planning permission will be submitted shortly, with construction to commence in 2025.
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