David Stanton
Question:35 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of visitors to the National Museum at Collins Barracks; and the way this compares with projections. [23709/99]
Written Answers. - National Museum.
The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks has recorded a total of 320,000 visits to its exhibition galleries since the opening of the museum to the public on 18 September 1997 until the week beginning 16 November 1999. This does not take account however of visitors to the museum site for special events, lectures and activities which are held in Collins Barracks but outside the exhibition gallery spaces.
The total number of visitors of 320,000 is slightly down on pre-opening projections. The continuous improvement and extension of facilities, the provision of additional services, the establishment in the public mind of the existence of Collins Barracks as a National Museum facility, the improved access to the site and the full implementation of a new marketing plan are designed to achieve an increase in visitor numbers over the coming years.