Abbey Theatre to get 25.7 million.

Dublins Abbey Theatre will be receiving 25.7 million from the Arts Council over the next three years to allow it to provide "the highest quality theatre as an expression of national artistic vibrancy", in the words of Arts Council chairwoman Olive Braiden. Of the overall figure announced in early February, 7.2 million is for 2006, 8.5 million for 2007 and 10 million for 2008. Last year the theatre received funding to the tune of 5,050,000, including 4 million in December to eliminate accumulated debts.