The Arts Council has made a decision on funding this year for the Gate Theatre in Dublin. The decision, details of which have not yet been given to the theatre, follows a protracted dispute which has left the Gate with a much reduced council grant for more than a year.
Last year, the theatre's grant was cut to £200,000 from £600,000 in 1999. The two parties will meet next Tuesday to discuss the amount and terms of this year's grant. A spokeswoman for the Gate said yesterday that while its management was aware a decision had been made at the council's plenary meeting last Tuesday, it would not get details until next week.
A spokeswoman for the council confirmed that the sides would be "entering discussions on terms early next week".
Council funding for the theatre - regarded as one of the most innovative in the State - was reduced last year because of a number of issues raised by the council.