Vol. 454 No. 2
48 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he has satisfied himself that the National Library is adequately protected against adverse weather conditions; and whether a water leakage caused the evacuation of the Library's main reading room on Tuesday 30 May 1995. [10468/95]
I am aware that the roof of the National Library is in need of repairs. I understand that a programme of refurbishment of the Library roof is currently being finalised and that tenders for phase 1 of the programme will be invited shortly. This phase will comprise works to areas of the roof near the Reading Room, the provision of a temporary roof over the reading room glazing and investigation in this area to establish the extent of remedial works required. The results of this investigation will form the basis for phase 2 of the programme. I understand, however, that the incident referred to by the Deputy was caused by prevailing weather conditions and circumstances which cannot always be completely guarded against.
The closure of the Reading Room was necessitated by the leakage of water into the building caused by a build-up of debris in a down pipe in the vicinity. In the interests of safety of members of the public Library staff considered it prudent to vacate the premises having regard to the possibility of any electrical malfunctions. In an effort to ensure a non-recurrence of this type of incident the Office of Public Works has now initiated a more regular system of inspections of the roofs of certain buildings including the National Library in an effort to ensure as far as practicable that there is not a recurrence of this type of incident.
