Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Offices.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

184 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Finance the cost of the new Department of Agriculture and Food's local office at Enniscorthy, County Wexford; the sellers of this property; the projected building cost; the reason the tenders for supply did not advise as to the price expected; the reason a town centre site, already with severe traffic problems, was chosen; whether this site was chosen on the advice of the Office of Public Works; and the number of car parking spaces which have been made available in this regard. [23342/97]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

The estimated cost of the new offices for the Department of Agriculture and Food in Enniscorthy is £1.8 million. This includes a projected building cost of approximately £1.7 million. The site for the offices was purchased from Messrs J. Donohoe Ltd.

It is not normal practice when seeking tenders to indicate the tender price that is expected. The site was acquired following consultation with the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry as it was felt a development of this size and quality would be a fillip to business in the town and would also encourage urban renewal. Approximately 60 car-parking spaces will be provided.