The design and construction phases for the €8 million expansion works at the National Archives of Ireland in Dublin has launched.

The work, which are to start at Bishop Street, will transform the building into a state-of-the-art archival storage facility.

The building development will improve the quality and quantity of storage available to the National Archives at its premises on Bishop Street. The facilities will be upgraded to state of the art archival storage meeting the BD 5454 benchmark standard for long term preservation.

The first phase of the works will require the decanting of over 1,900 pallets of archives from the existing warehouse building to the rear of the Bishop Street premises and its conversion into a works site for developing archival quality storage and ancillary facilities. Works are expected to commence in September 2016.

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The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, said: "By safeguarding our documents and records, the National Archives helps to preserve our history and tell our national story. The importance of the Archives is being underlined through the 1916 commemorations; the Archives hold a wealth of material which sheds light on that fascinating period.

"The Government intends to gradually move to a 20 year rule for the release of State papers. Expanding and upgrading the National Archives is essential to cope with the increased demand that will come about as a result of this change. Investment in the future accessibility and preservation of public records is also timely given this decade of centenaries, as we turn to resources held by the National Archives and other institutions to reflect and remember on the events of 1916 and beyond as the Irish State emerged from the Rising, and the Civil War."

(CD)