Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
54. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the renovation of the National Gallery of Ireland will be complete and the gallery fully open to the public; the cost of the works carried out to date; the cost of the remaining renovation works; the original projected cost of the renovation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11611/17]
View answerThe major restoration programme at the National Gallery of Ireland commenced with the project to replace the Dargan Wing Roof. This element of the works commenced in March 2011 and was completed in August 2012. The Tender Price for these construction works was €2.093m and Final Account on completion was agreed with the Main Contractor at €2.135m.
In January 2014, works relating to the refurbishment of the Historic Wings, including the replacement of the Milltown Wing Roof commenced based on a Tender Price of €25.806m. These works were completed in December 2016 but the final cost of works will not be established until the Final Account has been completed with the Main Contractor.
The project included the repair and restoration of the fabric of the Dargan and Milltown Wings, infill of the voids between the wings and the installation of 21st century climate, heating, fire suppression and lighting systems amongst other things.
The Office of Public Works, the National Gallery of Ireland and my Department are cooperating on the oversight of this project. It is expected that the Dargan and Milltown wings will be open to the public in June 2017.
This is a sizable historic restoration and upgrade project and represents an important capital investment by the State in one of its important cultural institutions. It will provide the National Gallery with first class environmental standards that allow it to host world class exhibitions in an appropriate setting.
