Institutes of Technology Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2013

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Ceisteanna (155)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

155. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the significant contribution of money that has been paid by the Roman Catholic Church to the Dublin Institute of Technology Foundation for the maintenance of an active church, as distinct from a multi-faith centre, on the new DIT Grangegorman site and, if so, if he will detail all of the conditions attached to this donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41320/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

DIT and the DIT Foundation have a target to raise €30m through philanthropy to support the redevelopment of listed buildings on the Grangegorman site and to target the provision of facilities that otherwise have no immediate source of funding. DIT approached the Dublin Catholic Archdiocese with a request to seek a contribution through philanthropy towards the restoration of the Church on the site. The Church is a listed building in need of substantial repair. The Catholic Archdiocese agreed to contribute €0.5m towards a fabric upgrade subject to the works progressing. The Church will be retained as a place of multi-denominational worship with a commitment of at least 25 years. The upgrade will create a multi-use space that will be available from September 2014 for educational, pastoral and cultural uses while respecting its liturgical requirements. In keeping with existing practice across DIT sites students and staff will have access to a multi-faith centre that will be located on campus from September 2014. Ownership of the Church will pass to DIT on completion of refurbishment. The initial expenditure will enable DIT to stabilise the fabric of the building while creating a much needed multi-use space. Further upgrades will again be undertaken through philanthropy.