Vol. 473 No. 3
11 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the consideration, if any, he has given to extending the opening hours of the National Museum; the time schedule for the opening of the new museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; the proposed public opening hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/96]
The National Museum of Ireland is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive and on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. At present I have no plans to alter these opening hours.
The Deputy will be aware of the extensive refurbishment which has been ongoing at the Collins Barracks complex. The caretaker board, the director and the staff of the National Museum and the Office of Public Works have been intensively engaged in the challenging and multifaceted task of converting part of this magnificent building into a dynamic and innovative museum facility for the people of Ireland.
Works on the first phase of Collins Barracks, which involves the opening of exhibitions in two wings of the Clarke Square area of the Barracks, encompassing some 6,500 square metres of exhibition space is well advanced.
Tenders have been received in respect of the supply and installation of the substantial number of exhibition cases and other display materials required for this facility. Completed tenders are expected shortly in respect of the other exhibition fit-out work, the siteworks and associated works required to open this phase. When these tenders are received a specific date for opening to the public will be agreed. This opening date is likely to be in the second half of next year.
In relation to the opening times for this new facility, it is envisaged that they would be similar to those at present in the museum's Kildare Street premises.
