I propose to take Questions Nos. 1861, 1864, 1923, and 1938 to 1941, inclusive, together.
The Cork Event Centre is a project being developed and managed by Cork City Council and the Council is responsible for the delivery of the project.
My Department has allocated €12 million to the City Council towards the cost of the Centre. This allocation is subject to a Service Level Agreement with the City Council to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements in relation to major capital projects.
On 27 September 2017, Cork City Council made an application to my Department for a further grant of €10 million to assist in the development of the project. My Department is now assessing the application. There are complex legal, state aid and match funding issues which are being considered in relation to this application and the Department is engaging with the City Council in relation to these.
I have not met with other Ministers in relation to this project since my appointment on 30 November 2017. My Department has not been informed of any change of use for the proposed centre in Cork. As is usual with capital grants, my Department has not engaged in discussions with the developer as this is a role for the project promoter Cork City Council.