Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
50. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on plans to develop the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32424/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe redevelopment of the National Concert Hall has been included as a flagship project in my Department's Project Ireland 2040 - investment programme to renew, redevelop and future-proof our National Cultural Institutions. It remains a commitment under our Programme for Government and has been reconfirmed in the revised National Development Plan published last year.
The vision for this project is to transform the National Concert Hall into a world-renowned music destination that will serve as Ireland’s home for music, that will be accessible to all, and that will enrich the cultural landscape of Ireland. Additionally, the project will see the protection of a valuable heritage asset at the heart of our capital city for generations to come. In recognition of the long history of this site as a centre of learning, the proposed redevelopment builds and expands on the role of the National Concert Hall in promoting learning and participation in music.
The project is being developed as a joint initiative between the National Concert Hall, the Office of Public Works and my Department in compliance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, Capital Works Management Framework and other central guidance. The goals of the redevelopment include:
- Increasing public access to musical performances and programmes
- Contributing to environmental sustainability
- Enhancing, integrating and protecting the historic buildings at Earlsfort Terrace
- Ensuring compliance with modern health and safety standards
- Providing a permanent and appropriate base for the National Symphony Orchestra
- Ensuring that the NCH is a centre of cultural and musical excellence
- Ensuring that the NCH supports and contributes to national spatial development objectives and policy
Following the approval of the project's Strategic Assessment Report, the National Concert Hall, with assistance from the Office of Public Works has undertaken a range of investigative and other survey works, as well as preparing a range of design options for the site. The output of this work is the Preliminary Business Case which, in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, sets out a number of options for the redevelopment of the campus. The Business Case has been submitted to my Department for review and its recommendations are currently being considered.
