Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

John McGuinness

Question:

331 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department will consider the submission made by Kilkenny Art Gallery Society Limited to restore a floor of Kilkenny Castle for use as an extension of the Butler Gallery in view of the fact that, if the work coincides with the third phase of the castle development, it will have a positive impact on the cost of the work; her views on the possibility for funding the project in view of the all round support the project has within the Office of Public Works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7087/98]

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

The proposal by the Kilkenny Art Gallery to extend its operation in Kilkenny Castle has been on the agenda for a number of years and Dúchas, the Heritage Service of my Department, has adopted an open minded approach on the issue, providing assistance and advice to the gallery including professional advice by the Office of Public Works architectural branch.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the priority at the moment is the final phase of restoration of Kilkenny Castle, viz. restoration and refurbishment of the parade wing and south tower for use as a multi-purpose facility for cultural and other events/activities. Tenders for this project have been invited and the objective is to place a contract at an early date.

The current position, therefore, in relation to the proposed expansion of the Kilkenny Art Gallery is that, having regard to the overall development of Kilkenny Castle, it would be premature to consider the gallery proposal. No commitment can be given in the circumstances to this proposal but my Department is willing to review the issue again when the restored parade wing and south tower has been fully operational for at least one year. On the basis of that review, I would then be in a position to reach a decision on the proposal. With regard to the question of funding for the proposals of the Kilkenny Art Gallery Society, the onus will of course be on that society to raise the necessary funds in the event of agreement in principle being reached on its proposal.