asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the progress to date on the restoration work in regard to the National Museum; and when work will be completed on the Great Hall in the National Museum.
52.
Written Answers. - National Museum.
27.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the programme of construction and renovation of the National Museum, Dublin 2; the cost of the works; the exact timetable; when the refurbished museum will be open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 52 together.
Over recent years extensive works have been undertaken by the Office of Public Works in the National Museum. These form part of an ongoing programme of improvements.
The complete renewal of the electrical wiring was completed last year. Understandably, most of the exhibition galleries had to be closed to the public during the work in the interests of the safety of the public and for the protection of the artefacts.
An exhibition entitled "The Millennium Exhibition Dublin 1000" featuring materials recovered in the various archaeological excavations around Dublin especially the one in Wood Quay was opened in the aisle of the Central Court in August, 1988. Work has been completed on the redecoration of the 1916 room, the Ceramics Room and the Chinese Room and on the installation of suitable exhibition lighting in these rooms. Limited improvement works which were required in the Japanese Room and the Music Room have also been completed.
The Ceramics Room, the 1916 Room and the Japanese Room have been re-opened to the public and an exhibition has been mounted on one balcony at first floor level. I understand that the preparation of the exhibitions for the Chinese Room and the Music Room is in hands and these rooms will be re-opened to the public at the earliest possible date.
An extensive outbreak of dry rot was discovered in the building and the necessary treatment work and consequent making good has been carried out.
A contract has been placed for the development in the Rotunda area of an improved and expanded Museum Shop and better Visitor Reception and information facilities. Full regard was had to the high architectural quality of the Rotunda in the design and specification for the proposed work which will be completed in December 1989.
Works are in hand for the improvement of the entrance approaches to the National Museum from Kildare Street. The proposed works include the provision of an invalid ramp, which has already been installed; the re-erection of antique lamp standards; the widening of the existing entrance gates, and the provision of new notice boards.
Work has commenced on the restoration of the roof of the Central Court (or Great Hall) of the Museum. The contract includes for the redecoration of this area. It is due for completion in February next year. Specialist fitting out works will then be carried out to the Central Court to accommodate a major exhibition to be held in conjunction with the British Museum, which is due to open in May 1990.
Planning is also in progress for the provision of improved Conservation Laboratories to serve all areas of the Museum's activities. Work on this scheme is expected to commence at the beginning of next year.
A number of galleries in the Museum remain closed at present. Once the work to the roof over the Central Court is completed it will be possible to re-open these areas to the public. Some of the areas will require redecoration and the provision of special lighting, showcases and other modern display aids. The remounting of the displays will also involve considerable work by Museum staff. It is too soon yet to say when particular rooms will be re-opened but it will be as early as possible.
Premises at the former Military Barracks, Beggars Bush have been allocated to provide alternative storage for the Museum's Geological and Spirit based collections. Works which are necessary to improve the security of the building will commence shortly.
Contract documents have been prepared for the renewal of the existing heating system in the National Museum which is nearing the end of its useful life. Also the stone facade of the building is deteriorating and in need of attention. These works will be undertaken as soon as the necessary funds can be made available. The Natural History Museum has been completely rewired, and redecoration of the building which is currently in progress is nearing completion. I understand the building is expected to be ready for re-opening about the end of November 1989.
The total cost of works undertaken to date and at present in progress in the National Museum is in the region of £2 million. An estimate is not available at this stage for the cost of works remaining to be done.