John Gormley
Ceist:280 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department contributes money to the sustainable building award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18838/99]
Written Answers - Departmental Funding.
In October 1998 I announced that my Department would be sponsoring the introduction of a sustainable building award, as part of the annual construction excellence awards. In June 1999 I published the criteria for the award. I am arranging to have my relevant press statements placed in the Oireachtas Library.
I understand that the independent panel of assessors are nearing completion of the short listing of entrants for the new award. Neither my Department nor myself play any role in the assessment process. The winning project will be announced at the construction excellence awards 1999 ceremony on 5 November 1999.
The award will take the form of a bog oak statuette and will be presented to the client, designer, builder and site foreman for the winning project. The award is being purchased directly by my Department.