Vol. 567 No. 5
273 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will publish the details of the capital projects being initiated during 2003 by his Department and planned for the following four years; and the current estimate of the final cost of the projects in each case. [14457/03]
The capital provisions in the 2003 Revised Estimate for my Department relate to existing schemes and programmes and currently there are no new capital projects being initiated by my Department in respect of which expenditure will be made this year.
However, I have authorised the implementation of the development control plan of the National Gallery of Ireland, for which the Minister for Finance has provided €1.5 million in the Vote of the Office of Public Works. I have also approved a new design for the Centre Block for the Museum of Decorative Arts and History at the National Museum's facility at Collins Barracks. This project and the continuation of the Collins Barracks capital programme will receive capital funding of €3.5 million through that Vote also. A sum of €2.8 million has also been provided for the provision of new accommodation to the Irish Architectural Archive in the OPW Vote.
My Department is considering the question of the procurement of a number of capital projects, such as the National Stadium, the National Conference Centre, the National Concert Hall and the Abbey Theatre. All aspects of the procurement of these projects will be considered by the Government in the normal manner in due course.
