Madam, - A debate was held last Thursday in Seanad Éireann on foot of a motion of mine concerning the relocation of the Abbey Theatre from its historic site in Abbey Street. Unfortunately, because of a slight surgical procedure I was unable to take part directly.
However, in advance of the debate I sent the following message to Minister of State for Finance, Martin Mansergh:
"With regard to the Carlton site it does seem appalling that private speculative interest should prevent the location of our national theatre in the place which virtually every single interested group at one time or another has suggested is the best. . .
"I need not remind the Minister that provisions concerning the protection of property in the Constitution can be overridden by the governing clause concerning the public good. On top of this, the whole planning matter concerning the Carlton site has yet to be resolved.
"However, even if this were to prove too complex there is another arresting possibility and one that might well recommend itself to the Minister's imagination. That is the relocation of the Abbey Theatre in the shell of the GPO. This historic building carries all the resonances of the political and ideological revolution whose birth took place in tandem with, and partly inspired by, the cultural renaissance represented by the birth of the Abbey Theatre.
"What a remarkable coup it would be if this great national cultural institution were to be located in the centre of the capital's principal thoroughfare served by bus, Luas tram, Dart and ultimately Metro and within easy walking distance of a large number of major hotels. How much better than serving once again the limited interests of a group of powerful developers.
"I understand also that in the current economic climate a pause may be placed on this development. In any case the redevelopment scenario has not even reached the final planning for the proposed international architectural competition, let alone planning of the theatre itself. This is the perfect moment at which to intervene imaginatively. I very much hope the Minister may prove to be the man required by the historical moment."
- Yours, etc,
Senator DAVID NORRIS, Seanad Éireann, Dublin 2.