asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that cement and glass have been sent by Board of Works from Dublin to Sligo at a higher price than similar goods could be purchased locally; whether quotations were asked from Sligo traders, and whether Sligo firms will be given an opportunity of tendering for all classes of building materials required by the Board of Works in the Dublin area.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - PRICE OF CEMENT AND GLASS.
It is presumed that this question relates to the Sligo No. 1 old R.I.C. Barrack, which is at present occupied by the Army, and of which the restoration is being carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works. Generally speaking, the building materials ordered by the Commissioners for this work have been obtained on tender from Sligo firms. Sligo firms were also afforded an opportunity of tendering for the cement and glass required.
In the case of the glass, the Sligo prices were too high, and it was purchased from the Dublin firm that holds the current periodical contract for glazing supplies at rates which enabled it to be delivered in Sligo at a lower cost than that quoted by two Sligo firms for the same quantity and quality. In the case of the cement, a small quantity of six tons became surplus at a barrack under reconstruction in Co. Roscommon, and was transferred to be utilised in Sligo, rendering local purchase of that quantity unnecessary. None was sent from Dublin. Competition for building works and supplies in the Dublin area is open to Sligo firms.