Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
196. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the breakdown of the allocation in 2019 for the forensic science library; the date in 2019 building will commence; if it will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he or his officials have been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6877/19]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is undertaking the Forensic Science Laboratory not the Forensic Science Library.
The Government is committed to delivering Project Ireland 2040 within the overall multi-year resource envelope that has been set out. For 2019, the capital allocation has increased by €1,325 million or just over 22% above the 2018 allocation as stated in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2019. With regard to implications arising from the National Children’s Hospital project, the Government is currently considering how the additional cost pressures will be accommodated within the multi-year envelope, with a minimum of disruption to the planned rollout and delivery of important infrastructure projects under Project Ireland 2040, which I am pleased to report are proceeding at a strong rate.
Enabling works for this complex were complete in 2018. The Office of Public Works has commenced the procurement for the main contractor for the Forensic Science Laboratory development which were published on 24 December 2018 and are due to be returned 29 March 2019. The procurement of reserved specialists will be coordinated with this. It is expected that construction for this project will commence on site in Quarter 3 2019.
