Enda Kenny
Ceist:19 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her national policy in respect of the National Museum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2844/98]
Written Answers. - National Museum.
It is my intention to proceed as soon as is practical, having regard to available resources in my Department and the museum, with affording autonomous status to the National Museum of Ireland as provided for in the National Cultural Institutions Act of 1997.
Phase I of the Collins Barracks project for the National Museum has been completed at a cost of £14 million approximately. Expenditure of the remaining funds on Collins Barracks up to an overall total of £29.5 million is now proceeding as phase II comes on stream.
As I indicated to the Deputy recently, PQ Written Ref. No. 2271/98, detailed planning work is under way in relation to the construction of a new museum at Turlough Park House, Castlebar to house the Irish Folklife collection of the National Museum of Ireland. I am pleased to record the continued co-operation and commitment of Mayo County Council in bringing this ambitious and prestigous project to fruition under the auspices of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 1999 within a budget of £8.53 million.
The completion of these three major projects will represent an unprecedented development and expansion of Ireland's premier cultural institution. It will place the National Museum in a position to properly care for, display and interpret Ireland's moveable heritage items for Irish people and visitors alike