Vol. 501 No. 6
325 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of people who have visited the new Collins Bar racks museum; the amount of public space in use; the additional space available if and when required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7036/99]
I understand that the National Museum has recorded a total of some 244,000 visitors to Collins Barracks since the opening of the first exhibitions to the public on 18 September 1997, until the week ended 7 March 1999.
A total of 5,200 square metres of public space is currently in use. Additional public spaces are planned which will bring the total public spaces on site to 13,500 square metres, of which 4,000 square metres will be provided in the next five years. Included in these plans is the provision of a new central building and the redevelopment of the existing buildings on the site.
