asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the approximate area of Dublin City, in proximity to Government Buildings, which was at one time proposed to be demolished and later rebuilt in order to provide a new Parliament House and Government Buildings, (b) the boundaries of such area, (c) the date on which such project was first reported upon, (d) the estimated cost at that date of the project, including cost of demolition, rebuilding and purchase of property rights, and (e) the present cost of such project.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Parliament House and Government Buildings.
The possibility of acquiring a site in the vicinity of Government Buildings to provide accommodation for the Oireachtas and some Government Departments was first raised in 1933. Proposals of varying extent were suggested for consideration between that date and 1944. These proposals ranged from a site of about 12½ acres comprised in the block lying between Merrion Square South and Lower Baggot Street to an area of approximately 78 acres bounded on the south by Merrion Row and Lower Bagget Street; on the east by the Grand Canal; on the north by Lower Mount Street, Grattan Street, Hogan Place, Fenian Street, and Lincoln Place, and on the west by a line drawn from the junction of Lincoln Place and Clare Street to the western end of Merrion Row. The latter proposals visualised a long term development including sites for public buildings other than Government offices and the Oireachtas accommodation. None of the proposals reached the stage at which detailed plans and estimates were prepared, but the figure of £11,500,000 was mentioned in 1944 as a rough order of the cost of the acquisition and clearance of the 78 acre area and the erection thereon of State buildings. No estimate of present day costs has been made.
In connection with the estimate of £11,500,000, is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to say how it was proposed that sum should be allocated?
It was never proposed.
Was it proposed to allocate it and, if so, how?
Acquisition and compensation for disturbance was estimated at £2,500,000; demolition and site clearance, £500,000; building works, £7,500,000; furniture and equipment, £1,000,000, making a total of £11,500,000.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to give the House any information as to the type of furniture and equipment which was contemplated for a sum of £1,000,000?
Mainly red herrings.
Surely that is a separate question?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if any estimate was made prior to the suggestion made by the O'Higginses that we would take the British King over here? How much would it cost to build a house and furnish it for him?
The House of Parliament did not materialise.
They did not get away with that job then. King's lackeys! There would be jobs for all the O'Higginses.
Was this the House the Deputy was going to build for the King?
Deputy Aiken drank the King's health. He will not reply to that one.