Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Parks.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

426 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the person who prepared the plans and specifications for the renovation of Gartan Gate Lodge; if the tender process was followed for all work undertaken; if the project was supervised and completed within budget; the total cost of all work undertaken; the number of contractors involved; if the cost of internal fittings was borne by the tenant or Dúchas; if all procedures relevant to such a construction project were followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12636/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Internal renovation works were carried out to Gartan Gate Lodge at Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, to enable it to be occupied by the head conservation ranger of the park so as to facilitate the management of the national park. The project was supervised by the foreman of the buildings maintenance unit of Glenveagh National Park and carried out in accordance with relevant procedures.

The works initially proposed involved repairs to the plumbing and heating systems at minor costs. However, as the project progressed, the project supervisor identified further works which were necessary to protect the fabric of the building and to make Gartan Gate Lodge comfortable to live in. The final cost of materials for the works amounted to €32,349.12.

Most of the work was carried out by national park staff. One external contractor was engaged to carry out repairs to the plumbing system. The tender process was followed for these works.

The national parks and wildlife section of my Department paid for the permanent internal fittings, as is normal in these cases. The occupant carried out some of the works himself and these were completed to a high standard. Since the period in which these works were undertaken, a revised procedure for the estimation and approval of individual projects, as well as better cost controls, have been introduced.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

427 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the controls and procedures in place at Glenveagh National Park for the bulk purchase of quantities of materials; if the audited accounts for the end of the financial year 2001 are complete; if management have signed off on these accounts; if queries were raised regarding the accounts; if the queries have now been dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12637/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

Under the current system in operation for the bulk purchase of quantities of materials at Glenveagh National Park, tenders are invited from businesses wishing to supply and deliver various materials to the park. The normal tender selection procedures are followed and contracts are placed with the most suitable suppliers.

Project details, including proposed materials and estimated overall project costs are submitted at the beginning of each year for approval by regional and senior management. Only materials required for approved projects are ordered. All expenditure is monitored on an ongoing basis by regional and senior management.

Sections of Government Departments are not required to complete audited accounts. All accounts or transactions kept by the Department are subject to random examination by the internal audit unit of the Department and the Department's appropriation account is subject to the scrutiny of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

There were no queries from the Comptroller and Auditor General regarding this element of the Department's 2001 appropriation account. Applications under the new house grant scheme, which was terminated as and from 14 November 2002, were required to be received in my Department on or before 4 December 2002. As no application was received on or before that date, a new house grant cannot be allowed in this case.