The construction of a new state-of-the-art Dáil chamber is to be considered as part of a major review of the Leinster House complex, The Irish Timeshas learned.
The proposal for the new chamber, which would remain in the Leinster House complex, is one of a number of options outlined in a report by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the potential needs and requirements of the Dáil and Seanad over the next 20 years. The report was prepared for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, which oversees the operation of Leinster House, the Dáil and Seanad.
Other options include a substantial refurbishment of the existing chamber to increase its capacity and introduce modern information technology and other systems. The report also envisages that the Leinster House complex is likely to expand through the annexation of the offices of the Department of Agriculture, which is due to decentralise to Portlaoise during the next two years.
However, a decision on the future of the site is not expected for some time. A spokeswoman for the Oireachtas declined to comment on the report, which was completed last week, and said it had yet to be considered in detail by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission.
A decision on any developments would be made by the Government, based on the advice of the commission, she said.
The report follows a major review by the OPW of the needs of the Seanad and Dáil chambers, including visits abroad to a number of new parliaments in Europe.
The report is understood to outline that the existing chamber is now at its capacity and that the number of TDs is likely to be increased over the next 20 years. Under the Constitution there must be a maximum of 30,000 people to a TD. This ratio will be exceeded once the population reaches 4.98 million, which is expected to happen within 20 years.
The report also outlines a variety of constraints in the existing chamber, such as limited wheelchair access and limitations on the introduction of new IT systems to help TDs with their daily work.
Compliance with fire and safety requirements will also become increasingly difficult for the chamber.
The report also states that significant work will be required within the next two decades if the chamber is to be upgraded in terms of the number of spaces and facilities. This could require the creation of a temporary chamber to facilitate the work, if this option was taken.
Another option contained in the report is that the current chamber be used for ceremonial and other key business, while a second chamber be built for other regular sessions and debates.
The report does not state where a new chamber would be located but it is likely to be in the existing Leinster House Building complex.
Decision on underground carpark shortly: page 7