The Grand Old Lady of Dublin theatre, the Gaiety, is to be extensively refurbished with the help of a £500,000 grant from the National Millennium Committee, it was announced yesterday.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Seamus Brennan, said it was "keenly aware of the need . . . to ensure the theatre is preserved".
The restoration of the 128-year-old building will be carried out in tandem with Dublin Corporation's plans to remodel South King Street, where the theatre is situated. Both projects will begin early to mid-2000, to be completed in time for next year's Dublin Theatre Festival in the autumn.
Mr John Costigan, executive director of the theatre, said he was delighted with the grant despite originally applying for £3 million. The £500,000 grant would be matched by the theatre's new owners, Ms Caroline Desmond and Mr Denis Desmond.
The money will be used to restore the facade of building, replacing the canopy and signage; replace the seating in the auditorium; remove some pillars which restrict the audience's view; and improve stage and production facilities.
Dublin Corporation plans to partially pedestrianise South King Street.
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