The government has announced its support for the restoration work, which represents the largest redevelopment project ever in a National Cultural Institution.
The project, at the National Concert Hall, will see the restoration and redevelopment of the historic building at the Earlsfort Terrace site. Crucially, it will deliver the expansion of stage and seating capacity of the existing auditorium while also providing much-needed universal access. The ambitious plans will see large parts of the site, many with buildings which pre-date the foundation of the State, restored and repurposed to provide for new recital and rehearsal spaces, new and restored public areas, and a new centre for Learning and Participation, among others.
Over 16,000m2 of the buildings at the National Concert Hall complex will be restored and redeveloped, future-proofing of the National Cultural Institution for Music for generations to come.
Speaking at the announcement, the Taoiseach said: "The landmark buildings, which house our National Cultural Institutions, need our support and, more importantly, our investment to ensure that they are sustainable, future-proofed and meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve. This redevelopment will allow the National Concert Hall to fulfil its purpose as a living space for music, for lifelong enjoyment, connection and participation in music, for all our people."
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The project will be funded by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D. and delivered by a partnership between the National Concert Hall and the Office of Public Works. This is a flagship project in the Minister's programme of investments under the National Development Plan, which will see many much-loved National Cultural Institutions, restored, renewed and future-proofed for generations to come.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Martin said: "This project is a one-in a generation opportunity for our National Cultural Institutions, for all those who love the National Concert Hall, and to recognise the central role that music plays in all our lives. Not only will the project restore this unique heritage building, iconic in its own right, but it will also establish the National Concert Hall as a centre for music and performance to match any in the world."
The project is included in the National Development Plan, the first time that an NDP has made specific provision for investment in the National Cultural Institutions in recognition of their important contribution to the cultural life of the State, the protection of cultural heritage, and their support for individual and collective wellbeing.
Maura McGrath (Chairperson) of the National Concert Hall added: "This investment will not only enhance the musical landscape in Ireland but inspire a new generation of music lovers. It will see the National Concert Hall become a cultural landmark for the nation, and realise our ambition to be regarded worldwide as a one of the great centres for music and a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere."
