Under section 6B of the Central Bank Act 1942, the Central Bank Commission is responsible for administering the provision of accommodation and office and other equipment with a view to enabling the Central Bank to perform and exercise its functions and powers. I have no function in the matter of accommodation arrangements at the Central Bank. However, I have been informed by the Central Bank that the public procurement process will be used to support the development of the new Central Bank building, including public tendering for contractors, services, etc., and in this context the cost of developing the building is commercially sensitive information. Accordingly at this time it is not appropriate to discuss matters related to cost estimates.
In relation to the existing structure, I have been informed by the Central Bank that as part of due diligence on the purchase of the site, the Central Bank has satisfied itself on the structural aspects of the building.
I have been further informed by the Central Bank that the design of the building and by association the cladding design (or façade) is progressing. As part of this process the Central Bank expects to appoint a specialist façade contractor to the design team. This appointment, like other appointments, will be subject to the public procurement process. This procurement process is underway.
