Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 1

Written Answers. - Department Building Hoarding.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

75 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of the buildings of the Department of Agriculture and Food in Kildare Street, Dublin 2, he will outline the length of time the temporary timber hoarding has been around the ground floor of the building; when it was erected; the length of time it will remain; if, during its remaining period, there are any interim plans or proposals to paint or otherwise improve the construction of the hoarding in the interests of visual amenity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

The hoarding was erected around facades of the building in August 1989 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and members of the public following the discovery that some pieces of concrete had fallen from the building.

A trial programme of works is currently in progress to determine the best method of dealing with the problem. It is expected that the major remedial works programme will commence during 1992 after the results of the test programme have been evaluated.

Since the execution of the works may well require removal of the hoarding it is not intended to paint it at this stage. The matter will be kept under review and, if the hoarding is to remain in place for a protracted period, it will be painted.