Jim Higgins
Ceist:74 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the construction of Portlaoise prison; and the number of tenders submitted. [10174/98]
Written Answers. - Prison Building Projects.
On 28 July 1997 the Government approved the construction of a new closed, medium security prison at Portlaoise on a client-led, design and build basis. On 2 September 1997 the Government set out the procurement procedures for the proposed new prison.
Advertisements placed in the Official Journal of the EU and Irish national newspapers invited "requests to participate" from private sector developers for the provision of a 400 place prison at Portlaoise. A large number of "requests to participate" were received from consortia involving Irish and European developers. With the professional assistance of the Office of Public Works, the submissions were examined and evaluated in accordance with the criteria as advertised.
The six developers deemed most suitable were selected and were invited to tender. A comprehensive technical and financial evaluation of the six tenders has been taking place and I hope to be in a position to announce the winner of the tender competition and sign a contract within the next three weeks.