Vol. 577 No. 5
10 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the level of interest which has been received to date from the private sector regarding the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre; when it is envisaged that a decision will be made on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31562/03]
The Government, on 29 January 2003, authorised me, as Minister, to invite expressions of interest by way of public invitation from the private sector in participating, on the basis of a PPP, in the capital redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre in and/or around the vicinity of the site of the existing theatre. My Department, with the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works, is working to implement that decision.
For the theatre to stay in its existing location, it will be necessary to acquire properties adjacent to the existing premises. As I indicated in my reply to a similar question yesterday, the Office of Public Works has received a report from property consultants who were engaged to assess the property acquisition issues arising in this context. That report is now being considered.
The ultimate timeframe that will apply to this development is not yet clear.
I have listened to the Minister's reply.
Question No. 11 answered with Question No. 6
