The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents. All statutory approvals have been obtained.
The Department has recently authorised the Design Team to commence the pre-qualification process to shortlist contractors. Pre-qualification normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to complete.
When pre-qualification is complete the project will then be progressed to tender stage.
A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.