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.