National Museum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2011

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

Questions (266)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

296 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount spent in 2009, 2010 and 2011 by the National Museum on leasing property or buildings; if he will provide a breakdown of the leases to include the amount spent on each individual lease; the location of the building or property; the purpose for which each building is leased, including storage of artwork and museum collections; if any of these leases are on property which is in the control of the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28252/11]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Jimmy Deenihan)

I have been informed by the National Museum that it has one leased site at present in Swords, Co. Dublin. The premises is leased from the Office of Public Works and is being used to establish a centralised collection resource centre to provide appropriate accommodation for the management and care of the National Museum's reserve collections and provide access to the material for research and education purposes. I understand that the Office of Public Works has leased the premises in question from Gerard Gannon Properties.

The leasing arrangement between the Office of Public Works and the National Museum of Ireland dates from 17th September 2010. A payment of €750,000 has been made for the first nine months of the period of the lease, from 17th September 2010 up to and inclusive of 16th June 2011. This is followed by a one year rent free period up to and inclusive of 16th June 2012, when rent becomes payable again.