Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2016
70. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she can provide an update on the planned capital works at the National Library of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13111/16]
View answerThe National Library is one of our foremost National Cultural Institutions, charged with collecting, preserving, promoting and making accessible the documentary and intellectual record of the life of Ireland.
The Library holds part of its collection in an historic Victorian-era building in Kildare Street that would not meet modern standards in terms of environmental and other controls. In this regard, I was pleased, last November, to announce a major new capital investment plan for the National Library's historic Kildare Street premises, as part of the Public Capital Programme Building on Recovery 2016-2021. I have earmarked an allocation of €10m in funding for the first phase of the works.
The investment will be delivered as a phased programme of works in partnership with the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW is currently working on plans, in conjunction with the Library and my Department, and will shortly present a design scheme. I would expect works to start in 2017.
The redevelopment will address the following key areas:
- Refurbishment of the 1890s building to meet modern standards for universal access, fire prevention, health and safety, circulation, security, mechanical and electrical services, and environmental sustainability;
- Upgrading and enhancement of visitor and reader facilities;
- Upgrading the conditions in which heritage collections are kept;
- Improvement of both access and security;
- Upgrading and rationalisation of operational areas; and
- Provision of better linkages throughout the Library’s extended buildings complex.
I am confident that the investment plan will help transform the Library into a world-class facility for the storage and display of some of our most important historical documents. It will not only allow the Library to deliver on its core objectives of protecting and conserving the national collection, but will also enable it to develop its place as a venue for research, culture, learning and tourism.
