Vol. 491 No. 6
232 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the position regarding approval for extension to the National Gallery; if the EU funding of £7.5 million will not be lost to this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12989/98]
Planning permission was refused by An Bord Pleanála on appeal by third parties for a major extension to the National Gallery. Following the decision by An Bord Pleanála a revised scheme for the Gallery extension has been prepared and submitted to Dublin Corporation for planning permission.
On the assumption that planning permission will be forthcoming in accordance with the Planning Acts, it is envisaged that all contracts and commitments to suppliers and contractors on the project will have been entered into during 1999 and that the drawdown of European Regional Development Fund funds will be within the timeframe of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-9.
Construction of the extension in accordance with the revised scheme that has been submitted for planning permission will represent a major landmark development for the gallery and for the city of Dublin. It is also a significant and high profile infrastructural addition to one of our most important national cultural institutions and will provide a new and invigorating attraction for visitors, both domestic and international.
