Plans include the creation of a new 60-seat Cinema 3 in addition to the two existing screens at the institute, which will be equipped with digital projection technology and is designed to help the IFI expand its screening programme.

Public areas will undergo a refurbishment, with new toilets, a film shop and improved box office and information facilities earmarked as part of the project, as well as the modernisation of the IFI Bar and Restaurant.

It is hoped the scheme, which also includes improved accessibility to the IFI's Irish Film Archive, will be completed by the end of October. The two IFI screens will remain open during the project, although the disabled lift to Cinema 2 will be temporarily suspended.

The scheme is being part-funded with a 550,000 euro (£468,057) grant as part of the Access II initiative, which was launched by the Irish Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism in March 2007 to improve the provision of high-standard arts and culture infrastructure across the country.

Sarah Glennie, IFI director, said: "Since opening in 1992, the IFI has brought the best of film culture to audiences in Ireland and this development will allow us to broaden the scope and depth of our programme, as well as introducing new audiences to the IFI's Irish Film Archive, which is one of Ireland's most important cultural resources."