National Cultural Institutions Programme

Under the “Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027” ten-year plan the priority projects identified under the National Cultural Institutions Investment Programme of €460 million are:

National Library of Ireland renovation: The purpose of this project is to ensure that safe and secure conditions are provided in which to house NLI’s collections and to enhance public spaces. Specifically, the project involves creating new environmentally controlled storage facilities for the library’s’ most accessed published collections, prints and drawings in the East wing of the building. Phase 1 of the project was completed in June 2019 with the refurbished bookstore (East Wing) that was formally opened by Ministers Madigan and Moran. Phase 2a involved preparation and investigation works for the West Wing project. Phase 2b involved external fabric repairs to the envelope of the building and was completed in Q4 2023. Phase 3 was granted planning permission in Jan 2024 and will involve the construction of a six storey circulation core extension in the rear courtyard and a full refurbishment of the West Wing. This will provide a new cultural experience comprising exhibition spaces, education spaces, cafe space, retail space, public facilities and ancillary accommodation. OPW invited expressions of interest from builders in Q2 2024. It is hoped that The West Wing Project will open in summer 2027, in time to celebrate the Library’s 150th anniversary.

National Archives of Ireland renovation: This new facility will provide two storeys of storage capacity and is being designed to cater for future expansion of an additional four floors. It will enable the progression of the 20-year archive rule and will support the transformation of ancillary spaces for exhibitions, education and engagement facilities for the visiting public. The construction contract was awarded Q1 2024. Project completion is expected by Q4 2026.

National Museum of Ireland masterplan redevelopment: Two major projects are underway, one which will see the Natural History Museum (Merrion St.) achieving adherence to all relevant building codes in relation to accessibility, fire, health and safety, whilst establishing a stable environment for the conservation of the collection and retaining the character of its Victorian heritage and its place as “a museum of a museum”. A design team was appointed for this project in Q1 2024.

The other, in the Museum of Archaeology (Kildare St.), will see restoration of the internal and external fabric whilst providing mush needed accessibility via three new lifts and staircases. With the Natural History Museum required to be closed to the public for the entirety of the construction work there, it is hoped that Kildare St. will remain partially open during this time thus avoiding a scenario where both major museums are closed.

National Concert Hall renovation: Major Projects have been working with NCH to develop plans for a newly refurbished and extended main auditorium with increased capacity of 1,350 seats with improved musician’s facilities; the re-organisation of public facilities, including a newly designed and enlarged main foyer, with new access to historic marbled stairs and relocation of the restaurant. The project will see the restoration and redevelopment of over 16,000m2 of the buildings at the National Concert Hall complex and the future-proofing of our National Cultural Institution for Music for generations to come. The Government approved the Preliminary Business case in December 2022 and the project has recently completed an external assurance process with a planning application to be lodged presently.

Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment: The project will expand and modernise Crawford in line with international museum standards, providing new exhibition spaces and a Learn and Explore facility to engage new audiences, as well as a new public gallery providing panoramic views of Cork city. The redevelopment will also address long-standing challenges with the fabric of the historic building, providing fit-for-purpose storage spaces for the National Collection, and will significantly enhance the sustainability of the building. Critically, the project will create a new entrance onto Emmett Place, opening Crawford onto a new urban plaza at the heart of the cultural life of the city. Planning permission was granted in March 2023 with a main contractor was appointed in Q4 2024.

National Theatre redevelopment: The plans will see the demolition of the existing theatre and several surrounding properties acquired by the Abbey. The planned new building will house two expanded spaces: a flagship 700-seat theatre and a 250-seat space. The Abbey is not an OPW property but the organisation has committed to providing input to the design elements.

Irish Museum of Modern Art renovation: Design of a masterplan for the Royal Hospital Kilmainham site is at an early stage. Essential refurbishment work on the North Wing is due to be completed in Q2 2024. A Conservation Management Plan for the site was commissioned by the OPW in Q4 2023 which inform a Preliminary Business Case for NDP funding as well as future projects and operations at the site.

National Gallery of Ireland – further phases of the masterplan redevelopment: Dublin Conservation are progressing the development of 88-90 Merrion Square West to provide upgraded staff facilities for the NGI and to bring those buildings into line with modern regulations. 7 Merrion Square has been refurbished by the OPW to provide temporary accommodation for NGI staff. Phase 4 of the masterplan project is currently under review.

Chester Beatty Library improvements: As part of the masterplan for Dublin Castle the renovation and extension of the Chester Beatty Library will allow for a consistency of approach with the planned reimagining of the Stephen’s Street / Ship Street area and proposed new entrance. An Interim Working Group has been established with representatives from OPW, DTCAGSM and the Chester Beatty.