Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Folklife Museum.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

270 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of applications received by tender for development of the National Folklife Museum at Turlough Park House, Castlebar, County Mayo; if the tenders have been examined; when she will make an announcement regarding the successful bid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8732/99]7

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I am advised by the Office of Public Works that eight tenders were received for the development at Turlough Park House. These tenders have been assessed and the necessary procedures for the placing of a contract are now being followed.

I expect to make a formal announcement on the development of the new museum and the successful bid soon when the normal contractual issues and details of the subcontracts have been finalised.

I think it is important in the first instance to record the significant support, both financial and otherwise that has been provided to this project by Mayo County Council. This project has been brought forward by my Department, the National Museum of Ireland and the Office of Public Works with the active support and co-operation of the County Council.

The development of the National Folklife Museum at Turlough Park House which is being part-funded under the Operational Programme for Tourism within the European Regional Development Fund will provide a prestigious new purpose-built facility in which to display to the Irish people and to tourists the National Museums folklife collection which up to now has been in storage and not accessible by the public. I expect that the new museum will be a major visitor attraction and will generate substantial economic benefits for Castlebar and its hinterland and the region generally.