Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has welcomed a significant partnership between the State and the Bank of Ireland which will result in the creation of a new Cultural and Heritage Centre at Parliament Buildings, College Green.

Bank of Ireland has made the space available for this centre to the State for a ten year period, and will cover the costs of refurbishment and operation of the centre. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – in partnership with Bank of Ireland – will manage, operate and animate the space for this period.

When open for use the Cultural and Heritage Centre will be accessed by the public via the Gandon-designed entrance to the College Green buildings on Westmoreland Street. Bank of Ireland will also facilitate guided access to the House of Lords for visitors to the Cultural and Heritage Centre.

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The ten-year licence for use of the centre runs alongside the Decade of Centenaries. It is envisaged that exhibitions at the Cultural and Heritage Centre will include a significant focus on key events in Irish history – up to the centenary of Civil War – which led to the creation of modern Ireland.

Minister Deenihan commented: "I welcome Bank of Ireland's decision to make this space available to the State. The importance of the College Green buildings is recognised by us all. These are nationally and internationally important heritage buildings which have played a significant role in Irish history.

"I am delighted that the announcement will deliver a public cultural and heritage centre at the heart of the College Green buildings. This is a very significant development, and I want to thank Bank of Ireland for making this space available and for strongly supporting this initiative."

(CD/MH)