Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Academy for the Performing Arts.

Enda Kenny

Question:

390 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress, if any, made to date in relation to the Government's commitment to providing a conservatoire for the performing arts at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2; the projected cost; the design team, if any, appointed; the discussions, if any, she has had to date with a company (details supplied) for the purchase of the property; the way in which this development will impact on the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11859/98]

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

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, and I have jointly established a working group under the chairmanship of Mr. Noel Lindsay, former chairman of the Higher Education Authority, to examine and report on the feasibility of establishing an academy for the performing arts, including a conservatoire, at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin.

The group are being asked to report back at an early date.

Until the working group's report has been received and considered, the question of a design team, if it is to be required, does not arise.

The property in Earlsfort Terrace which is the subject of the working group's deliberations is occupied by University College, Dublin; therefore, discussions with the company mentioned by the Deputy do not arise. I understand that the board of the National Concert Hall has already indicated to the working group that they would be fully supportive of the project.