The Abbey Theatre should remain in a city centre location provided sufficient space is made available there, rather than move to the Dublin docklands, a report delivered to the Minister responsible, Ms de Valera, has concluded. The confidential report carried out by the Office of Public Works (OPW) was presented to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands this week.
It said the Grand Canal Docks development, despite its many attractions and advantages, "cannot compete with a more prominent location of suitable size in the city centre if such were to be made available". It described the Grand Canal Docks site as inadequate to cater for such a development.
However, the report, completed earlier this month, said that with the National Theatre's centenary approaching in 2004 and its board anxious to put plans in place as soon as possible, there was "pressure on for an early conclusion to be reached". The board of the Abbey Theatre announced on Wednesday it wanted to move to the south side of the Liffey, after it had been offered a free site by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) and a £500,000 annual revenue subsidy.
In response, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, reacted with "surprise" and "disappointment" to the announcement of its preference to move out of his constituency. He described the announcement as a U-turn and a serious mistake.
In the Dail yesterday he said he was not sure what would happen and said he knew it was "not my business". But last night Ms de Valera said everyone was aware Mr Ahern had "very strong views" on the issue and she had briefed him on the report.
"If the Abbey was to go ahead on the existing site, obviously very major changes would need to take place," said Ms de Valera on RTE television, adding that a decision would be taken in a few months.
The OPW report said a distinction must be made between the National Theatre and other "arts/culture" centres which recognised the honour and respect due to it.
"This soon to be self-proclaimed business, residential and recreational area lacks an established historical or civic core and its removal [the Abbey] from the city centre must be borne in mind when a national cultural institution of international repute is proposed as an inserted development."