asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of the proposed office block at the Glen, Waterford city, the following (1) the purposes for which it is intended, and the State agencies that will occupy it; (2) if any increase in employment will result from the occupation of the office block; (3) the cost when completed; (4) the expected date of completion and occupation; (5) the parking accommodation allowed for at the proposed office block; and (6) the consultant architects and engineers who were appointed in this instance, and the methods of appointment; and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - Waterford City Office Block .
142.
: The proposed office block at the Glen, Waterford City is intended to provide improved accommodation in a centralised location for staffs of the Revenue Commissioners, Departments of Agriculture, Labour and the Environment and possibly for some other services about which decisions have not yet been taken; (2) Some increase in employment though not appreciable is envisaged as a result of the occupation of the office block; (3) Pending the placing of a contract it would be inappropriate for us to discuss the estimate of cost; (4) It is expected that the building will be completed and occupied in 1981; (5) The extent of the parking accommodation has not been finalised; this will be determined at a later stage; (6) The consultants engaged on planning this building are: Architects: Mr. G. McNicholl. B.Arch, FRIAI, Structural Engineers: Messrs. Ove Arup & Partners.
The consultants were engaged in accordance with the normal practice in the Office of Public Works.
The location of a number of Government services in a single building should prove of considerable benefit to the public transacting business with these Departments.