IT might be said that the Government has more time and money for building sports venues than arts centres. As plans for a massive new stadium are progressing, stalemate still exists between the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and the Department of Finance over the former's new headquarters at Dublin's Islandbridge, and relations are somewhat strained between the departments.
Arts etc is currently housed in seven different locations around the city, with the Minister, Sile de Valera, based in rented premises on Mespil Road. A year ago, an international design competition was launched for a new headquarters on the site of the old car pound at the entrance to the Phoenix Park. There was much excitement about the project, as it would be the first purpose-built government department since 1935, when Sean Lemass commissioned the old Industry and Commerce building in Kildare Street.
Dozens of high-powered architects from as far afield as Japan and the US entered and late last year the judging panel, under the chairmanship of Brian Farrell, presented the winning design to the Minister. It meets, a source tells Quidnunc, the criteria of architectural presence, reflecting appropriately and confidently the commitment of a living and modern Ireland to its cultural heritage and to boot "is a fabulous state-of-the-art building". Unfortunately, Char- lie McCreevy and his mandarins have told Arts etc that it can't proceed with the project at this time because they won't come up, at present anyway, with the £40m plus required.
So not only can there be no announcement of the winners, but at this rate de Valera is unlikely to see the inside of her building, since it will take at least two years to complete. Some say the delay is connected with plans for decentralisation. And where would they go? Kilrush?