Seán Ryan
Ceist:20 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of the refurbishment of Farmleigh House, County Dublin, at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/00]
Vol. 527 No. 2
20 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of the refurbishment of Farmleigh House, County Dublin, at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/00]
A contract was placed by the Commissioners of Public Works in July 2000, for major refurbishment works at Farmleigh House. The budget, which includes also for professional fees, statutory charges and fitting-out etc. is £14.7 million. The contractor is currently on site and completion of works is due by the end of June 2001.
This is the main refurbishment project and relates to the house and adjacent courtyard and will ensure that the house will be useable for the purpose for which it was purchased, namely as a venue for Government meetings and conference centre, including meetings requiring overnight accommodation and for public access. The bulk of this work is required to upgrade services and facilities to convert the building from private to public use and to meet health and safety standards and public access requirements in the context of this changed use.