Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 4

Written Answers. - Performing Arts Centre.

Enda Kenny

Question:

55 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress to date on the provision of a national centre for the performing arts including a conservatoire at Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, as promised in An Action Programme for the Millennium; the meetings held to date in this regard; the negotiations that have been taking place with UCD authorities on purchasing the buildings at Earlsfort Terrace; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2806/99]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 15 October last to Questions Nos. 10 and 28 on the issue of a Dublin centre for the performing arts.

This matter is under consideration. As I indicated on that occasion, the lead Department in terms of finance will be that of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science. While there have been informal contacts with UCD as well as a range of other interested groups and individuals, formal negotiations on the purchase of any site would not take place until consideration of the report of the working group is fully completed.