Vol. 531 No. 1
9 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received a report from the board of the Abbey Theatre on the future development of the theatre; her views on its submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4995/01]
In answer to Question No. 86 of 4 October 2000, I made clear my wish to support the board of the National Theatre in its plans to create an Abbey Theatre which can look with confidence to affirming its role at the heart of theatrical development in Ireland, as the theatre approaches the centenary of its foundation.
In 1999 the board of the National Theatre Society Limited submitted a number of options to me regarding the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre. At that time its preferred option was for the redevelopment of the theatre at its existing location. While it was clear in the proposals that the existing site was limited in scope, it was intended that these limitations would be minimised with imaginative design and the maximum use of space.
While my examination of these proposals was proceeding, I received word from the board of the National Theatre that it was re-evaluating its options in response to intimations that sites at several other locations, including one owned by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority at Grand Canal Basin, were likely to be available. Accordingly, the board advised me on 27 October 2000 that its preferred option was for the redevelopment of the National Theatre at the Grand Canal Basin site. At my request, the Office of Public Works carried out an analysis of the merits of this option and its report was submitted to me on 6 February last. There is concern in the report that the site on offer at Grand Canal Basin may not fully fulfil the brief of requirements as outlined by the board of the National Theatre Society.
In light of this report and given my preference, which I expressed on a number of occasions in the past, that the National Theatre should if at all possible remain at its present location on Abbey Street if design constraints could be mitigated, I asked the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with Dublin Corporation and in consultation with the National Theatre Society, to explore and to report to me on the options that exist in the matter of acquiring additional site space adjacent to the existing Abbey site with a view to developing a new landmark theatre at this location. This report will also consider other possible city centre relocation options and will inform my consideration of the future development of the National Theatre, including the proposals I will bring to Government in due course.
Ba mhaith liomsa chomh maith comhgháirdeas a dhéanamh leis an Aire Stáit nua Máire Ní Chochláin atá ag freagairt ceisteanna sa Dáil den chéad uair inniu. Is ó mo dháilcheantar féin dí agus tá súil agam go n-éireoidh go maith léi ar son na Gaeltachta agus na n-oileán ar fad fhaid is a bheidh sí ag gníomhú mar Aire Stáit sa Roinn.
Ba mhaith liom chomh maith ár mbuíochas a chur in iúl don Aire Stáit Ó Cuív. Idir an bheirt againn déanfaimid cinnte go mbeidh cothrom na féinne le fáil ag gach ceantar Gaeltachta.
I am sure the Minister would agree the Abbey Theatre is more than an ordinary theatre, it is a national theatre. It is there to serve the country and it is frequented by many visitors to Ireland, Americans and others. It is a national institution. Does the Minister agree the facilities available to the theatre, whether on the existing location or at a new location, are even more important than the location of the theatre? Have representations been made by the Taoiseach in this regard? I hope that when the decision is made, whenever that will be, she will not be intimidated by the Taoiseach's wishes to maintain the theatre in his parish, if not his constituency, in spite of historic connotations, given that it was founded at its existing location almost 100 years ago.
I assure the Deputy the Taoiseach does not intimidate his Ministers; that is not his approach.
With regard to the options and preferences, the Taoiseach made his view known in a recent press statement. When I visited the Abbey last year, initial discussions had taken place on this matter and the Abbey was considering three options related to the existing site. It was not until last August that the other two sites became available and the options and priorities of the board of the National Theatre then changed. From an early stage I made it clear that my preference was that there would a complete refurbishment of the site and a radical approach to addressing the facilities on the existing site.
As the Deputy correctly emphasised, I am sure all of us would acknowledge that this theatre is the national theatre and has wonderful standing not only nationally but internationally. It does not have the facilities to mirror the tremendous talents that exist and the work that has been done in the theatre over the years. It is a 1960s building that needs complete and utter renovation. That is possible on the site.
I have asked the corporation and the Office of Public Works to work in conjunction with the Department to ascertain what facilities are available in the vicinity that could be used to enhance the facilities of the Abbey Theatre. All of these matters are being considered. I hope to have that report from the Office of Public Works in the next few weeks. It has assured me it will be able to deliver the report in that short timeframe. Following receipt of it, I will have all the issues to hand and I will be able to make a considered decision.
I am concerned, however, about the Office of Public Works's report regarding the Grand Canal site, as it does not seem to have the necessary space for the proposals put forward by the board of the National Theatre. All of these matters have to be taken into account.
I thoroughly agree with the Deputy that we need to be able to provide the facilities of which any national theatre would be proud. Sadly, we do not have those facilities at present in the Abbey Theatre.
