Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 2

Written Answers. - Old Abbey Theatre.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

291 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the plans, if any, she has to reconstruct, in Collins' Barracks National Museum or elsewhere, the vestibule of the Old Abbey Theatre, the facade stones of which are available (details supplied) to the State; if so, the cost of this reconstruction and the length of time it will require; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22860/97]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I wish to reassure the Deputy that I would be happy to accept the material relating to the Old Abbey Theatre for reconstruction within the National Museum of Ireland facility at Collins Barracks, Dublin.

It has not been possible as yet to come to a mutually acceptable agreement regarding the proposed location of the material within the complex. I would hope that the donor could agree to the proposition made by my predecessor, Deputy Michael D. Higgins, that the material be handed over to the National Museum of Ireland who would be responsible for its reconstruction within the next phase of development at the site.

Until such time as this situation has been clarified, it is not possible to estimate the costs involved or the time required to effect this reconstruction.