5 April 2007

Other

Abbey Theatre Relocation

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the location it is intended to move the Abbey Theatre to; his views on whether O’Connell Street would be a more appropriate site, rather than occupying reclaimed land in one of the canal basins; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism  (Mr. O'Donoghue):

The Governments decision to relocate the National Theatre to the Georges Dock site, which was offered free of charge for this purpose by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA), was made following careful and thorough examination of a number of alternatives.

Following this decision, the Government authorised investigative surveys to be carried out at the George's Dock site. At my request, the Office of Public Works arranged detailed examination of the site, including archaeological, geotechnical and structural surveys. On the basis of the favourable conclusions emerging from these studies the Government approved the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock.