Vol. 514 No. 6
292 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if a contractor has been selected to build the national convention centre; the procedures in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4965/00]
The Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-1999, included provision for 33 million ECU, £26 million, in European Regional Development Fund grant aid for the construction of a conference centre in Dublin capable of handling up to 2,000 delegates. A tender procedure, organised by Bord Fáilte, under the direction of the independent Management Board for Product Development, and conducted in accordance with EU Council Directive 93/37/EEC, culminated, in June 1998, in the selection of the proposal submitted by Spencer Dock International Convention Centre Limited, to go forward for grant-aid to develop the conference centre at a site in Dublin's docklands.
While Bord Fáilte is responsible for awarding the grant to the developer of the national conference centre, it is a matter solely for that developer to select its preferred contractor. I am, however, aware that Spencer Dock International Convention Centre Limited has entered into a contract with John Sisk and Sons Limited in relation to the construction of the conference centre.
