Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2026
442. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding his Department’s plans to progress the development of the national piping centre on Henrietta Street, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49239/26]
View answerDublin City Council (DCC) secured funding of €9.3m under the Government's urban regeneration and development fund (URDF) for 15/16 Henrietta Street, Dublin 1. No. 15 Henrietta Street houses the HQ of Na Píobairí Uilleann (NPU). The proposed development will extend NPU's footprint into No. 16, delivering a theatre and International Uilleann Piping Centre in the extension. The facilities will be available to the public as well as to other arts and culture organisations. NPU have a long term lease from DCC for No.15 and it is intended that a similar lease will be put in place in relation to No. 16.
In August 2023 my Department approved capital funding of €2m towards this project. The estimated costs at that point were €12.48m, with €9.36m secured under Government’s URDF, and DCC contributing €1.12m. There is an SLA in place between my Department and NPU for this funding (€2m).
However, a pre-tender estimate provided in October 2025 shows a higher cost estimate of €19.35m. NPU wish to proceed to tender as soon as possible and requested a commitment for further capital funding from my Department, DCC and Department of Housing's URDF to progress this project.
Due to this increase in the cost estimate, DCC have confirmed that they will seek a further increase in funding from URDF and also increase their own contribution on a pro rata basis as follows:
|
Source |
Amount € |
Percentage |
|
URDF |
14,513,237 |
75% |
|
Dept CCS |
3,099,060 |
16.015% |
|
DCC |
1,738,686 |
8.985% |
|
Total |
19,350,983 |
100% |
This amounts to -
• an increase in URDF funding of €5,147,237
• an increase in Dept CCS funding of €1,099,060
• an increase in DCC funding of €616,686
I have now agreed to the increase in funding for the NPU project provided the pro rata increases from the other parties are secured. Once the funding is secured by all parties, NPU can then progress to tender.
