Green light for Abbey plan

THE Government is going ahead with its €100 million rebuilding plan for the Abbey Theatre on its existing site.

Arts Minister John O’Donoghue’s proposal for a public-private partnership scheme to help fund the rebuilding of the national theatre was sanctioned by the Cabinet yesterday.

The first preference is to build the theatre at its existing location off O’Connell Street by buying some adjoining property for an expanded site. But if that is not feasible, then an alternative location will be examined, leaving the prospect open of moving to the Carlton Cinema site on O’Connell Street. The minister will now invite expressions of interest from the private sector on the plan. The redevelopment will include the Abbey and Peacock Theatres and address the size and space problems being encountered.