Abbey Theatre

Lobbying Organisation Abbey Theatre

Date published 21 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Arts

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Communications between representatives of the Abbey Theatre and Government

Intended results To update Government officials on plans for the Abbey Theatre. To promote awareness of the need for continued support of the Abbey Theatre Redevelopment Project. To explore and secure opportunities for promotion of the National Theatre of Ireland.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Mark O'Brien (Executive Director), Caitríona McLaughlin (Artistic Director) and staff members of the Abbey Theatre

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Event / Reception (1)

Artistic Director hosted the Minister for Sport at a performance of Mirandolina, an Abbey Theatre, Teatro Stabile del Veneto - Teatro Nazionale Italy, and Croatian National Theatre HNK Rijeka co production, in Padua, Italy.

Informal communication (1)

Executive Director attended a reception for the UK/Ireland summit in Cork and had informal conversations with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Minister for Justice, and An Taoiseach.

Meeting (1)

Executive Director met with CEO of Dublin City Council for discussions on the Abbey Theatre redevelopment project and possible funding partnerships

Event / Reception (1)

Executive Director was invited to join a group visit of Irish Cultural Leaders to the EU institutions in Brussels. This included visits to the European Commission and European Parliament, and meetings with EU officials and Irish MEP’s.

Email (1)

An invitation was issued to the Minister for Justice to attend a performance of plays by IPAS residents, funded by an integration grant from the Department of Justice and with in-kind support from the Abbey Theatre and the Civic Theatre

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Charlie McConalogue Minister of State (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)

Helen McEntee Minister (Department of Foreign Affairs)

Jim O'Callaghan Minister (Department of Justice)

Micheál Martin An Taoiseach (Department of the Taoiseach)

Richard Shakespeare Chief Executive Officer (Dublin City Council)

Barry Cowen MEP (European Parliament)

Sean Kelly MEP (European Parliament)

Nina Carberry MEP (European Parliament)

Billy Kelleher MEP (European Parliament)