The resolution of the issues surrounding the redevelopment of the National Theatre, are complex. As I have previously informed the House, the Government authorised me last year to invite expressions of interest by way of public invitation from the private sector in participating, on the basis of a public private partnership, in the capital redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre in and/or around the vicinity of the site of the existing theatre.
My Department, with the Department of Finance and the Office of Public Works, has been working to implement that decision. As An Agreed Programme for Government commits the Government to ensuring the development of the Abbey, I maintain regular contact with all of the parties involved and ensure that the Government is kept fully abreast of all developments. I circulated my last progress report to my colleagues at this week's Cabinet meeting at which Ministers again affirmed their support for the redevelopment project.
It has been accepted that at whatever location is eventually selected for the Abbey, the new building must satisfy the following requirements if it is to be compatible with the status, profile and functions of a national theatre: to be a signature development, representative of a national theatre in the 21st century; to be in an appropriate civic setting and form part of the overall urban regeneration represented by the O'Connell Street integrated area plan and the north-east inner city plan; it must have three significant enlarged auditoria for the Abbey, the Peacock and a third multipurpose space, a dedicated education and outreach facility, a publicly accessible archive, restaurant-bar, improved public areas, disabled access for audiences and artists, and best practice theatre production facilities.
For the Abbey and Peacock to function efficiently, effectively and without compromise, their basic functioning must not depend on movement of goods and people by mechanical lift. In essence this means that the stages of both the Abbey and Peacock theatres must be positioned at ground level. In addition, both theatres must have easy access, also at the same level, to the scenery store and the prop store. It is agreed between the management of the Abbey and the OPW that there is a requirement for a ground floor footprint that is considerably larger than now exists. The larger ground footprint is non-negotiable if the redevelopment is to achieve its objectives.
I am advised that redevelopment of the Abbey at its existing location would entail the acquisition of adjacent properties — a process which would be likely to prove very costly and problematic regarding timescale. Accordingly, my Department and the OPW are now actively considering other possible alternative locations for the redevelopment. This exercise will include an assessment of the suitability and availability of the Carlton Cinema site for this purpose. The Deputy will be aware of the legal issues arising in connection with that particular site.
I am currently awaiting a report from the OPW on these issues and assure the Deputy that I remain determined to have decisions taken on the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre in this its centenary year.
