I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 to 204, inclusive, together.
In relation to the two storey building incorporating administration and visitors facilities at Loughan House the position is as follows. A number of modular accommodation units which were procured by the Office of Public Works in the context of the provision of asylum seeker accommodation and which were subsequently surplus to requirements were utilised to provide a new building incorporating visiting and administration facilities at Loughan House in 2004. This resulted in a significant saving in the overall cost of the project. The contract for the work involved was awarded to Glenbeigh Construction Ltd who submitted the most competitive quotation for a prison construction project on 22 March 2002 under the terms of a tender competition dated March 2002. The tender included a provision for draw-down facility as required by the Prison Service. A total of six companies were invited to submit tenders for the above project.
A subsequent competition which was advertised in the EU Journal on 2 July 2004 sought expressions of interest from firms to provide an additional accommodation block at Loughan House. The notice also stated that the Prison Service reserved the right to enter negotiations with the successful contractor in relation to other prison projects within a duration of three years from the initial contract. A total of nine submissions were received and following an assessment process a short-list of four contractors was selected for a formal tender competition. The lowest tender subsequently received was from Glenbeigh Construction. A contract was awarded under the tender in respect of a general refurbishment of the existing bedroom accommodation which is now complete. The construction of a new 60 place accommodation unit for offenders with self contained bathroom and shower facilities is also now underway by Glenbeigh Construction under the above tender. Other works being carried out at Loughan House under this tender include a new education and general purpose building, the replacement of the dilapidated fence surrounding the facility, and repairs to the roof of the main building.