This Supplementary Estimate provides for increased expenditure expected to be incurred on the services provided under certain sub-heads of the Vote for Public Works and Buildings, offset by estimated additional receipts under sub-head L — Appropriations-in-Aid, and savings anticipated on other sub-heads. The gross additional expenditure is estimated at £305,500, the surplus receipts at £139,000 and the savings on other sub-heads at £113,500, leaving a net shortage of £53,000 for which the Supplementary Estimate will require to be voted.
Expenditure under sub-head A includes substantial sums in respect of the following items which were not foreseen when the Estimate was framed:—
(a) The purchase of Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, County Dublin, as alternative accommodation for Colaiste Moibhi, who had occupied portion of the former Hibernian Military School premises in the Phoenix Park. The latter premises have been leased to the Dublin Corporation for hospital purposes.
(b) The purchase of a residence in Ottawa for the High Commissioner to Canada.
(c) The purchase of 3 Merrion Square, Dublin, for use as Government offices.
(d) The acquisition of the leasehold interest in premises in New York as office accommodation for the New York Consulate in place of less suitable accommodation surrendered.
To meet this expenditure and provide for the contingency of further properties suitable for our requirements becoming available within the present financial year, an additional sum of £55,000 is required under this sub-head. The necessity for the additional sums shown as being required to meet expenditure under sub-heads C, D (1) and D (2) arises mainly from increases in wages rates and of materials.
Expenditure under sub-head 2 will be greater than anticipated due to increased rates generally and changes in rental terms. To provide, in addition, for the cost of accommodation requiring to be leased for representatives abroad it is desirable that provision for the further sum of £4,500 be made under this sub-head.
Progress with the Brosna drainage scheme has been greater than anticipated so that expenditure under sub-head J (2) is expected to exceed the original sum provided by £29,000. The position regarding the availability of plant and machinery proved much more favourable than was anticipated when the Estimate was framed so that it was found possible to purchase excavating machines and other plant in greater numbers than was originally expected. Payments already made amount to £93,000 and further deliveries are expected before the end of the financial year. To meet the additional expenditure a further sum of £119,000 is required for sub-head K (1).
Surplus receipts from rents and fines are expected to amount to £122,400. This sum comprises unforeseen receipts, the principal item in which is a fine of £120,000 payable by the Dublin Corporation in respect of the lease to them of the former Hibernian Military School premises in the Phoenix Park. From harbour tolls, dues, etc., hire of plant, the sale of surplus and obsolete stores and old materials and miscellaneous items, further receipts in excess of the original Estimate are expected to be realised bringing the total surplus to £139,000. The savings of £113,500, which it is expected will be realised on other sub-heads, consist mainly of savings on sub-head B (£40,000), sub-head F (£14,000), sub-head K (2) (£37,000) and sub-head K (3) (£19,000).