Public Procurement Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Questions (279)

Neale Richmond

Question:

279. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department has been notified by Dublin City Council if companies (details supplied) were informed that the procurement procedure had ended and that no contract would be awarded as a consequence of the decision adopted by the elected members of Dublin City Council on 16 November 2020 not to assent the proposal outlined in report 310/2020 on its agenda of the same date; in circumstances in which the companies have not been notified that no contract shall be awarded arising from the procurement process and that the procurement remains live, if it is expected that Dublin City Council will place a new report on the agenda of the council to enable the companies to develop and construct the approximately 853 residential units together with all associated infrastructure works, commercial units and parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39576/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Oscar Traynor Road residential project had reached a very advanced stage with the selection of a preferred bidder. The projected encompassed 853 homes with a mix of tenures.

A key part of the Public Procurement process was the transfer of the City Council land to the preferred bidder to allow it to progress to finance the project, obtain planning permission and construct the development.

This transfer of land required a Section 183 Approval (Local Government Act 2001) which is a reserved function of city councillors. This disposal was listed for decision at the recent meeting of the City Council. The disposal was rejected by city councillors.

I understand from the Council that the proposed development of this land will not now proceed. Management in the City Council will now engage with councillors on alternative proposals for this key site.

It is critical that this site is developed as soon as possible and my Department is ready to assist the City Council in this regard.

Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 268.