The Deputy will be aware that a number of design issues have arisen with this project including the security issues to which he refers. These issues were considered by the Department and addressed through changes in the design of the project. Thereafter, the capacity of the proposed building, and the number of staff it is required to accommodate, has been reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of LMETB into the future. As that review is not fully completed we do not yet have a final agreement on the number of persons to be accommodated in the building (particularly as further consideration will need to be given to the Covid-19 implications for the project). However, it has now been agreed that the existing building design will not meet those needs.
Consequently, LMETB, supported by the Department, has been actively progressing a redesign to include an additional floor to the building. A design meeting to consider this proposal will be scheduled to take place next month in that respect.
I would also wish to clarify for the Deputy, as previously indicated in previous responses, that approximately €260k has been spent on costs related to the project including design team fees, planning and statutory consent fees and surveys for the project. This level of cost is consistent with what would be expected to be spent on a project of this scope and scale at this stage of its development.
While my Department acknowledges that the delivery of this project has taken longer than originally envisaged due to the issues already outlined to the Deputy, I want to assure him that when the remaining issues are resolved my Department will be giving approval for the project to proceed to tender and construction. However, it is of the utmost importance that the final outcome for this project will be the correct one for all relevant stakeholders and will meet the needs of LMETB into the future.