Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 8 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 4

Other Questions. - National Theatre.

Liz McManus

Ceist:

11 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has concluded her consideration of the report received from the Office of Public Works, Dublin Corporation and the national theatre company regarding the options regarding the acquisition of site space adjacent to the existing Abbey Theatre site with a view to developing a new landmark theatre at this location; when she expects to bring proposals to Government; the discussions she has had with the board of the Abbey Theatre on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27146/01]

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

37 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the position on the future of the Abbey Theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26555/01]

Miss de Valera

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 37 together.

It is clear that the existing premises of the national theatre are inadequate for the future needs of the theatre and the board of the national theatre society has made a number of submissions to me regarding options for the redevelopment of the theatre with Exchequer support.

My Department asked the Office of Public Works to review the options put forward by the national theatre society and to furnish professional advice on the feasibility and cost of all options for addressing the enhanced accommodation needs of the theatre. The report has been received from the Office of Public Works and is currently being considered by me. When this consideration is completed, I will bring proposals to Government and will enter into further discussions with the board of the national theatre society.

It is my stated preference that the national theatre should, if at all possible remain on Abbey Street provided that space and design constraints do not mitigate against this. One of the options explored by the Office of Public Works in its report is the possibility of acquiring additional site space adjacent to the existing site for the development of a new landmark theatre at this location.

Mr. O'Shea

Will the Minister inform us as to whether the Grand Canal site is still in the picture at this stage? Does she agree that the matter is urgent as the centenary of the national theatre will take place in 2004? If a landmark theatre is to be provided we should start work on it now so that its opening will coincide with the centenary of the national theatre.

Miss de Valera

My preference would be that the national theatre should, if possible, remain at the present location on Abbey Street. However, I have asked the Office of Public Works to furnish me with professional advice on all available options, including the possibility of acquiring additional site space at Abbey Street. This is under consideration and when I have brought the matter to Government it will become a matter for discussion here and publicly. I am aware that the centenary is in 2004. However, this is a major decision. We know that conditions in the Abbey are anything but what should be expected in a national theatre and that needs to be addressed. It is important to take the time to address those needs in an adequate and comprehensive way so that we will have reason to celebrate in 2004. I hope, at that stage, we will have decided on the resolution and that resolution will be well under way if not completed.

Mr. McGinley

I am sure the Minister will ensure that anything planned for the Abbey Theatre will incorporate Amharclann na Péacóige, the small theatre adjacent to the Abbey that in the past was used extensively for Irish language productions. Arrangements should be made for the provision of such a facility for Irish language productions here in the city. The Minister may be aware that there was an exclusively Irish language theatre on St. Stephen's Green but unfortunately it is no longer there. Does the Minister agree that it should be part of her remit to cater for drama in Irish?

Miss de Valera

I share the Deputy's interest and concern on this matter. The Peacock Theatre has done tremendous work over the years and the public, as well as those with a specific interest, recognises that. The national theatre has a very specific remit and it is to try and facilitate those working within the theatre that we are addressing the whole matter. We wish to do it in a comprehensive way because we are proud of the work and productions recognised both nationally and internationally. We will examine the issue in a rounded fashion so as to address the matters that need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Mr. O'Shea

Will the Minister tell us the number of meetings she has had with the board of the Abbey Theatre in relation to this matter? Does the board share her view that the most appropriate location for the new landmark theatre is in Abbey Street and will she inform us as to whether she will bring proposals to Government by Christmas?

Miss de Valera

The Deputy can be assured that I have ongoing meetings and have had a number of meetings in regard to the Abbey and with representatives of the board. Once we have the Government decision we will discuss it with the board. In regard to the time scale, I hope the matter will be brought to the Government before Christmas.