The two main repositories of genealogical interest – the National Archives and National Library - will be major recipients of the funding, which will, it is hoped, kickstart a return to the programmes underway before the Covid-19 shutdown.
In a press briefing on the Government's Job Stimulas Package, Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin TD discussed the purpose of allocating these additional funds: "Over the coming 18 months we will seek to complete the design and planning phases of a number of iconic buildings housing national cultural institutions with a view to commencing construction in 2021.
"Highlights under this programme of capital investment include the reimagining and significant restoration of the National Library, and the National Archives redevelopment will see our valuable trove of State archived material rehoused.
"Advance design and planning works will commence at the National Concert Hall and the Abbey Theatre, and a project in the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork City will enhance this cornerstone building in a regenerated city plaza."