Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
560. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the original cost of the building of the new centre in Belfield; the amount that has been spent by his Department to date in 2017; the cost of the project to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2013, when the project was originally approved, the estimated cost of the construction of the Confucius Institute building in Belfield was in the region of €7 million. However, UCD has advised that costs have increased over the period since then.
In 2014, the Department of Education and Skills confirmed an allocation of €3 million for the construction of the Confucius Institute. Approximately €995,000 of this has been provided to UCD to date (€195,000 in 2015 and €800,000 in 2016) following verification by the Higher Education Authority of costs incurred. No claim has been received to date in 2017, although it is anticipated that further funding will be provided in 2017/18 up to the maximum of the €3 million commitment.
It should be noted that UCD is responsible for delivery of the project. The Exchequer contribution is fixed at €3 million and any additional costs arising from the project are a matter for UCD.
