Vol. 499 No. 4
54 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals, if any, she has for the further expansion of the National Museum at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2800/99]
Phase 1 of the Collins Barracks project at Clarke Square was opened to the public in September 1997. The next stages of development, which are ongoing, comprise the redevelopment of the existing buildings on the remainder of the site and the construction of a new building in the centre of the site.
In the case of the development of the remainder of the existing buildings, work is now well advanced and should be completed for use by the Museum within the next 18 months.
Plans prepared by the Office of Public Works for the development of the new building in the centre of the site are being finalised. It is intended that this new building will be the focus of the site and become the principal visitor services area. It will also provide additional spaces for exhibitions and will link to adjacent buildings on the site. It is hoped that the new building will be open to the public in 2003.
A total sum of £29.85 million has been allocated to the Collins Barracks project which is being co-funded through the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999. Eighteen million pounds of this amount is represented by co-financed Structural Funds and matching Exchequer funds with an additional £11.85 million provided solely from the Exchequer.
