Simon Coveney
Ceist:115 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding future plans for the development of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5669/03]
Other Questions. - National Concert Hall.
The National Concert Hall is the premier and most successful venue for classical musical performance in Dublin. It was built within the Earlsfort Terrace complex and shares its accommodation with University College, Dublin. From the outset it was recognised that there were inadequacies in the overall space allocated to it and that its backstage accommodation in particular was limited.
Since 1981 the NCH has developed as a venue for many forms of musical performance in addition to classical music. Last year the NCH catered for more than 300,000 patrons. The inadequacies inherent in the original location are now a serious constraint on its operations and further development. In addition, it most notably lacks a self contained auditorium for musical performances of a more intimate character.
A high level group comprising the Secretaries General of the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, the Department of Education and Science and the Chairman of the Office of Public Works, was established in July 2000, to examine and report on all the issues involved in relation to the NCH at Earlsfort Terrace. On foot of Government consideration of the report of the high level group the Office of Public Works was asked to put together, in consultation with the management of the National Concert Hall, a full brief of the physical and other requirements tailored to serve the needs of the National Concert Hall for the foreseeable future.
In the light of this brief, my Department, together with the Office of Public works, is examining all the options that exist for the provision of a new modern concert hall suitable to the requirements of the 21st century. This will take some time. When the necessary considerations are completed, I will seek Government approval to implement my decision.
I agree with the Minister that the National Concert Hall, in its present form, is not suitable for large, international performances, in particular, and that is an inhibitory factor. The National Concert Hall is one our main tourist attractions and with more international performances, it would be a bigger draw. Also, the local consumer is entitled to be exposed to major international performances but that is not happening because the National Concert Hall is not large enough.
What options are being explored? The first option will be to retain the National Concert Hall at its present site and to expand the building, similar to what is being done at the Abbey Theatre. Is the space available to do that? If it is case of relocation, has another site been looked at?
Many issues must be considered before we reach that stage. Deputy Deenihan is correct in that the Earlsfort Terrace location is not satisfactory. There are difficulties in relation to the auditorium itself and to backstage and on stage facilities. Numerous difficulties need to be resolved. I await the report to see how we can progress this matter. It must be remembered that the cost of construction of a new National Concert Hall could be of the order of €130 million. It is a major undertaking and one which we must get right.
I imagine the group will consider a number of locations with a view to determining which would be the best option. Early soundings from many people involved indicate that Earlsfort Terrace may not be way ahead. If that is the case, an alternative site will have to be identified. It has been suggested that the new hall could be located in the Grand Canal area of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. A feasibility study is in course regarding the adequacy of such a site for the purpose of a National Concert Hall. It is too early to say whether that site would be suitable. Indications are that the current site at Earlsfort Terrace does not meet modern requirements.