Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2019
214. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeline for the renovation works at the National Concert Hall; her plans to secure an alternative venue for the National Symphony Orchestra during the course of these works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25886/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Project Ireland 2040 - the National Planning Framework - the Government has approved a ten year plan - Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 to 2027 - which sets out the Government's objectives for capital investment in Ireland's culture, language and heritage. The plan provides for an investment of €725m in the Culture sector of which €460m relates to investment in our National Cultural Institutions and of which €78m relates to the re-development of the National Concert Hall.
Together with the Office of Public Works, the National Concert Hall (NCH) has prepared a development plan for the Earlsfort Terrace Complex which is scheduled to be completed between now and 2027.
The plan provides for the complete refurbishment, upgrading and extension of the main auditorium, together with improved and extended back-stage and public spaces, and the conversion of an existing space into a dedicated rehearsal hall for the resident National Symphony Orchestra. It is planned that this phase of the work will be completed over a three year period commencing no sooner than September 2021, subject to compliance with public procurement procedures, and will entail the closure of the Hall and possible re-location to another site. The question of securing an alternative venue for the National Symphony Orchestra during this period is also being examined.
