National Gallery of Ireland gets €26 million facelift

A

?¬26 MILLION refurbishment project is underway at the historic National Gallery of Ireland.

Approximately 280 jobs will be supported over the two years of the major renovation work that is being jointly funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the National Gallery of Ireland and the Office of Public Works.

The contract for the project has been awarded to John Paul Construction Ltd following a tendering process that was completed in late 2013.

The refurbishment, which coincides with the gallery’s 150th anniversary, will include the repair and restoration of the fabric of the Dargan and Milltown Wings, and the Merrion Entrance.

The reopening of Victorian features and spaces within the building previously unseen by the public will also be part of the project while the conversion of spaces between the wings will include the provision of a sculpture court.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, and Brian Hayes, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works were given a tour of the gallery by Chairperson Dr Olive Braiden, Director Sean Rainbird, and Eamon Booth, the Managing Director of John Paul Construction.

Speaking at the gallery, Minister Jimmy Deenihan said: “It gives me immense pride to be here at the start of an historic project in one of our most important historic buildings.

“The National Gallery of Ireland, now in its 150th year, is a leading national cultural institution with a globally important collection of European and international art.

“This project marks a rebirth for the historic Dargan and Milltown wings and will safeguard these historic buildings, and the priceless works of art that they hold, for future generations.”

Minister Brendan Howlin added:

“It is little wonder that the National Gallery of Ireland is one of our most popular tourist destinations.

“Every year, over 650,000 visitors marvel at the collection which numbers among its 15,000 pieces masterpieces from the major European schools of art and the world’s most comprehensive collection of Irish art.

“Fáilte Ireland tell us that every 1,000 additional tourists support 15 jobs in that sector. It is therefore essential that we continue to invest in our cultural and historic resources. After all, culture is an asset.

?

Dr Olive Braiden said the board of the gallery was delighted to see the commencement of refurbishment works.

“We look forward to reopening our splendid new galleries in 2016,

? she said.

“The board would like to thank the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Office of Public Works for their extraordinary commitment to the success of the project.

?

Eamon Booth of John Paul Construction said they had assembled an expert team with the specialist skills to ensure that the fabric of the historic buildings will be upgraded to world-class gallery standards and completed on schedule in time for the 1916 centenary.

When work is completed, it is hoped the National Gallery of Ireland will be equipped as a world-leading gallery space attracting visiting artworks from other important collections.