Taoiseach and Ministers gather at National Concert Hall to announce "once-in-a-generation" redevelopment

The Government has approved in principle a major restoration and redevelopment of the National Concert Hall – with Taoiseach Micheál Martin; Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin; and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe voicing their support at a special event this morning in the historic building.

Set to be the largest redevelopment project ever in a National Cultural Institution, the redevelopment will deliver the expansion of stage and seating capacity of the existing auditorium, as well as ensuring universal access.

Auditorium - view from Stage

This morning, the Taoiseach and Ministers took a tour of the Earlsfort Terrace site, including numerous vacant rooms – and buildings which pre-date the foundation of the State – that will be refurbished and repurposed as part of the project, providing new recital and rehearsal spaces, public spaces, a new centre for Learning and Participation, and more.

Overall, the project will see the restoration and redevelopment of over 16,000m2 of the buildings at the National Concert Hall complex.

A great day for music in Ireland!

Just confirmed: Govt proud to support a large-scale redevelopment @NCH_Music

The project includes
🟢expansion of the stage & seating capacity
🟢ensuring universal access
🟢new rehearsal & recital spaces
🟢new centre for learning & participation pic.twitter.com/utYc5UUKnB

— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) December 8, 2022

“The landmark buildings, which house our National Cultural Institutions, need our support and, more importantly, our investment to ensure that they are sustainable, future-proofed and meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve," the Taoiseach said at the announcement. "This redevelopment will allow the National Concert Hall to fulfil its purpose as a living space for music, for lifelong enjoyment, connection and participation in music, for all our people.”

The project will be funded by Minister Catherine Martin, and delivered through a partnership between the National Concert Hall and the Office of Public Works.

“This project is a one-in a generation opportunity for our National Cultural Institutions, for all those who love the National Concert Hall, and to recognise the central role that music plays in all our lives," Minister Martin commented. "Not only will the project restore this unique heritage building, iconic in its own right, but it will also establish the National Concert Hall as a centre for music and performance to match any in the world.”

Catered Public Spaces

This morning's announcement – at which Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik was also in attendance – was described by Minister Donohoe as a demonstration of the "Government’s commitment to the restoration of the National Concert Hall’s historic site."

"It is vital that we protect Ireland’s unique architectural legacy, while also breathing new life into buildings like this one by reimagining creative new possibilities for them," he continued.

“This investment will not only enhance the musical landscape in Ireland but inspire a new generation of music lovers," commented Maura McGrath, Chairperson of the National Concert Hall. "It will see the National Concert Hall become a cultural landmark for the nation, and realise our ambition to be regarded worldwide as a one of the great centres for music and a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere.”

We are delighted to announce that the Government has approved the restoration and redevelopment of our historic National Concert Hall!

For more information see 👉 https://t.co/CMdEMClHPx@cathmartingreen @MichealMartinTD @DeptCulturelRL pic.twitter.com/jX7emHF8pM

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) December 8, 2022