Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
292. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when a premises in an OPW site (details supplied) will be up for tender to rent and or lease out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28380/20]
View answerThe Café concession at John F. Kennedy Arboretum operates on a seasonal basis and normally opens between March and mid-November of each year. The last trading period concluded in November 2019.
OPW had planned to tender this concession opportunity in March 2020 but this was postponed due to the outbreak of Covid-19. OPW is currently finalising tender documentation with a view to advertising this concession opportunity by public tender before the end of the year. It is hoped that the successful bidder will be in a position to open the café for the 2021 season subject to the prevailing health advices and Government restrictions at the time.
During this recent period of closure of the café, OPW has taken the opportunity to carry out a survey of the premises to identify any necessary works that might be required to achieve compliance with the COVID-19 related operational guidance for social distancing, sanitisation etc. These minor works will be undertaken early in 2021.
