Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2014
191. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of jobs that will be created through each of the Government's projects for the Ireland 2016 events including in expanded museums and new interpretative centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44484/14]
View answerA capital provision of €22 million will be allocated in 2015 to a number of flagship 1916 commemoration projects, including the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO; the renovation of Kilmainham Courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol; the provision of a permanent visitor facility at Cathal Brugha Barracks for the Military Service Pensions Archive; the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc; renovation works at Richmond Barracks; the development of a Tenement Museum in Dublin; and the restoration of the Kevin Barry rooms in the National Concert Hall. I have also secured a current allocation of €4 million in the Budget for 2015 to allow for the roll out of an integrated plan focused on commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising.
The investment in the 2016 programme will have a positive impact in terms of jobs and wider economic benefits, both locally and nationally. The construction works that are underway for the capital projects at the GPO and Kilmainham have already provided employment of the order of 250+ jobs in the construction industry, with the actual figure varying in line with the particular phases of work taking place. I am confident that there will be further employment opportunities as the other projects and programme elements develop.
