I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 38 and 39 together.
A tri-partite assessment panel comprising senior representatives of the Dept. Justice and Equality, An Garda Síochána and the Office of Public Works was established in order to identify an alternative site for An Garda Síochána’s operations at Harcourt Square. The panel assessed six short listed sites:
Option 1 - Gateway Site, Naas Road, Dublin 24
Option 2 - Garda HQ, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Option 3 - Phoenix Park Racecourse Site, Dublin 8
Option 4 - Thornton Hall Site, Co. Dublin
Option 5 - Military Road Site
Option 6 - Pino Harris Site, Naas Road, Dublin 12
In November 2015, the evaluation panel concluded that, based on the evaluation assessment and the brief of requirements from An Garda Síochána, the site at Military Road was deemed the preferred location.
The Military Rd site, along with all of the other sites was subject to a comprehensive security appraisal as part of the assessment criteria. A detailed security specification has since being received from An Garda Síochána and it is incorporated into the design and construction of the Military Rd facility.
The Military Rd development is being constructed within its approved project budget and in accordance with the planning approval received.