Eamon Gilmore
Question:84 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals, as outlined in the programme for Government, for the rebuilding of the Abbey Theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19081/02]
Other Questions. - National Theatre Redevelopment.
On 19 February 2002 the Government approved in principle the capital redevelopment of the national theatre in order to provide enhanced premises and facilities for the theatre by seeking the agreement of the board of the National Theatre Society for the redevelopment of the theatre on the existing site and inviting a public-private partnership arrangement in this context. Following this decision, an expert group was established, comprising representatives of my Department, the Office of Public Works and the national theatre. This group was tasked to assess the feasibility of a PPP arrangement in this context and the most appropriate form or structure for such a PPP. The expert group will shortly conclude its work, and as soon as I have had the opportunity to fully consider its recommendations, I will be submitting the matter to Government for a decision on how we should then proceed.
I welcome the indication in respect of the development of the Abbey Theatre and ask about an announcement made by the Minister for Finance in the last Budget Statement concerning money promised for another arts infrastructure, the Cork Opera House.
This question is about the Abbey Theatre.
The Deputy can be assured that a Kerryman will not let down his neighbours.