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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Feb 1981

Vol. 327 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Department of Defence Accommodation.

16.

asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the provision of new accommodation for the Department of Defence at Parkgate Street, Dublin; whether architects' plans were sought; if so, from whom, the cost involved and whether it is proposed to go ahead with the building as designed by the architects; and, if not, why.

17.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the accommodation rented by the Department of Defence; the works carried out by the Office of Public Works to buildings of the Department of Defence in 1980; if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) regarding new headquarters for the Department; and if he will give details of the project including the cost, the time scale, why it is being built, who will occupy it and the building it will replace.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.

I am aware of the press report referred to. Planning of a new headquarters building for the Department of Defence has been in hands by the Commissioners of Public Works who engaged consultants to prepare a suitable design. The architects were Messrs. Scott Tallon Walker.

The new building is required in order to house together sections of the Department at present located in separate centres, mainly Parkgate, Coláiste Caoimhín, Glasnevin, and Park House, North Circular Road, where 1,400 square metres have been rented. It is not proposed to rehouse the Civil Defence School now at Ratra House, Phoenix Park. Otherwise the new building will cater for the present accommodation needs of the civilian and military general headquarters staff of the Department in Dublin with provision for modest expansion.

It will be constructed on a State-owned site on the east side of Infirmary Road, Dublin, and will contain approximately 19,000 square metres. The buildings at Parkgate and Coláiste Caoimhín will be available when refurbished for other State purposes. The space in Park House will also be so available.

It is expected that tenders will be invited for the project later this year. The building will take about three years to complete. The estimated cost of the project at current prices is £9.4 million inclusive of architect's and consultants fees.

The main works carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works for the Department of Defence in 1980 were treatment of dry rot, works to the heating system, external repairs and painting at General Headquarters; external repairs and painting at Coláiste Caoimhín; improvements to the water supply at Ratra House. In addition the normal minor works and services were provided by the commissioners' staff.

I think the Minister said tenders at the end of the year. I suppose it will start next year? Is that what the Minister thinks?

It will start next year, I should think.

Can the Minister say if this money will be paid out of the investment plan and if it will yield a return?

I do not know. I do not think so.

Is the Minister satisfied that the expenditure of £9.4 million on a project of this sort is a high priority in present circumstances, given that it will not yield any direct financial return?

It is a high priority.

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