Abbey Theatre

Lobbying Organisation Abbey Theatre

Date published 21 Sep, 2026

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Arts

Period 1 May. 2026 to 31 Aug. 2026

Specific Details Communications between representatives of the Abbey Theatre and Government officials

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. To ensure the Abbey Theatre is in compliance with its obligations in relation to health and safety.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity The Executive Director, Chair, and members of the Board and staff 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.

Meeting (2-5)

The Chair met with the Secretary General of the Department of Culture to discuss matters including the progress of the Abbey Theatre redevelopment project.

Meeting (1)

The Executive Director met with the Ambassador to India to discuss potential Abbey Theatre involvement in a cultural/trade visit to India during 2027.

Meeting (2-5)

The Chair met with the State Architect and Principal Architect, Office of Public Works to discuss progress of the Abbey Theatre redevelopment project.

Meeting (1)

The Executive Director and Director of Operations met with the Area Manager for Dublin North Inner City, Dublin City Council, to discuss security measures in the local area.

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.

Feargal Ó Coigligh Secretary General (Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media)

Kevin Kelly Ambassador (Department of Foreign Affairs)

Conor Sreenan State Architect (The Office of Public Works)

Marie Kavanagh Regional Executive Officer (Dublin City Council)