Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 10

Written Answers. - Dublin as EC Cultural Capital.

Dick Spring

Question:

40 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Finance (a) the funds (b) the resources and (c) the ideas or other supports he plans to contribute towards the efforts of Dublin as the European Community Cultural Capital for 1991; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

With regard to my Department, and the offices under my aegis, the Office of Public Works will contribute substantially to enhancing the status of Dublin as European Cultural Capital through its planned work programmes. The State investment in such programmes for 1991 will amount to £2.8 million. This will cover projects such as restoration works on the Custom House, Casino, Marino, Rathfarnham Castle and Kilmainham Jail, and upgrading of the Royal and Grand Canals. It will also cover the provision of interpretative centres in the Phoenix Park and on the Grand Canal and improvements to St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham.

In addition the Office of Public Works are preparing a programme of events which will range from poetry readings in St. Stephen's Green to an exhibition relating to national parks worldwide. The programme will also include a series of talks by world renowned architects and an education campaign among primary school children.