John Gormley
Ceist:251 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Finance the reason Leinster Lawn has not been re-instated despite the promises that were given on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12191/03]
Written Answers. - Departmental Properties.
A temporary car park was constructed on Leinster Lawn to facilitate construction activities for the Leinster House 2000 project. It was intended that the lawn would be re-instated as soon as that project was completed. However, it was subsequently decided to construct an underground car park for Leinster House. This involved new landscaping proposals for Leinster Lawn and in view of this it was decided not to incur expenditure on the short-term re-instatement of the lawn pending completion of the underground car park.
While the underground car-park project has now been deferred, the refurbishment of Oireachtas office accommodation in Kildare House, including the provision of a crèche and fitness room for Members and staff of the Oireachtas, is imminent. The Kildare House refurbishment necessitates the vacating of the Kildare House car park and pending completion of the refurbishment project, the car parking facilities lost will be provided temporarily on Leinster Lawn. The restoration of Leinster Lawn will be addressed immediately on completion of the Kildare House project.