I propose to take Questions Nos. 472, 473 and 474 together.
A site has been acquired at the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon town, for the erection of new Government offices, to include the farm development service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development offices currently accommodated at Church Street and Circular Road, respectively. The new offices will be provided on a design/build/milestone payment basis.
Applications were invited from interested developers, and an analysis of the submissions received is currently under way. Following this analysis, a panel of developers will be invited to submit proposals for the development. Following the full process of selection, and the receipt of planning permission, it is hoped that contract work can commence mid 2001, with completion by the end of 2002.
The annual coat of leasing the premises at Church Street, Roscommon, is £28,000.