Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
459. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of the monetary and staff value, including personnel time, design work, planning guidance and any other assistance provide by the Office of Public Works to a body (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38327/13]
View answer460. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the Office of Public Works has in the construction and other phases for the redevelopment of a body (details supplied) in Dublin 8 should it clear the planning process; if the OPW has a budget for such work; the amount of that budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38328/13]
View answer461. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will indicate under what legal capacity, statutory instrument or Act of the Oireachtas the Office of Public Works was authorised to provide extensive design and planning guidance to a non-public body (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38329/13]
View answer462. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the event of construction work going ahead on the redevelopment of a body (details supplied) in Dublin 8, if he will confirm if the Office of Public Works provides assistance to local residents in the event of structural issues arising from a development of this scale in a residential area that may result in changes in the water table and basement flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38330/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 459 to 462, inclusive, together.
At the request of Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD., the Office of Public Works has assisted the Irish Jewish Museum with the development of the design of its proposed new museum facility and is providing support up to Statutory Approvals Stage for the project.
Given the prolonged nature of this project which has been ongoing since 2007, OPW has been able to absorb within standing capacity as part of its normal workload the provision of the necessary support services for this project. It is not possible to precisely say what this would equate to in monetary terms.
There is no proposal for the involvement of the Office of Public Works post Statutory Approvals stage. Accordingly, no budget provision has been made by the OPW.
The scheme developed for the IJM by OPW took account of the full range of issues relating to a development of this nature and any particular considerations pertaining to that site. This included any possible impact on the water table and any consequential effect on neighbouring properties. In that regard, An Bord Pleanála has sought a Hydro-geological Assessment Report to assist its determination of the appeal lodged against this development. Accordingly, any Planning Permission that might be obtained for this development will indicate what remedial measures An Bord Pleanála might deem necessary to allow any development to proceed. Ensuring compliance with any conditions attaching to a Planning Permission will be the responsibility of the Irish Jewish Museum.
