Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
468. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a recent tender was put out to provide restaurant services in the existing restaurant facilities in Kennedy Park and Arboretum, New Ross, County Wexford; if so, the number of applications that were received for the tender; when he expects the tender to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40410/22]
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. During this period of closure of the café, OPW has taken the opportunity to carry out a survey of the premises which found that works are required before re-opening.
As it is not possible to provide restaurant services in the current building, a decision was made to seek mobile units to provide some catering facilities to visitors. In May 2022, a procurement was placed on the eTender system to seek mobile units to operate at the arboretum. Fifteen companies expressed an interest, with one tender submitted. This was successful and the company was awarded the contract in June 2022. The service provider is now operating on site at John F Kennedy arboretum.
