Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
657. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of contractors invited to tender for the construction of the new State forensics laboratory in Celbridge, County Kildare; when tenders must be returned for the project; when construction is likely to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38511/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing. The Deputy will be aware that the Government's capital plan 2016-2021 has allocated €45m for the construction of the laboratory with work originally due to commence in 2019. However, some €6 million was provided in my Department's Vote for 2017 for a variety of enabling works, including electricity and gas connections, the installation of fibre line to the site and works to the main entrance. These works are well underway.
I hope that it will be possible in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to secure the funding that will allow the construction of the building to commence and, that being the case, I would expect the new laboratory to be ready in 2020. The cost of construction and fit-out will only be known once the tendering process is complete
The Deputy will appreciate that the construction of the new Forensic Science Laboratory is being managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department. I am informed by OPW that, in accordance with normal procurement rules, expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors were sought via eTenders and the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) on 4th April 2017. Following consideration by the assessment panel of responses received on 8 May 2017, a total of seven contractors were deemed suitable and will be invited to tender.
I am informed that the tender package is currently being assembled for issue shortly and that a return date of mid-November is anticipated. This being so, and subject to funding being made available under the mid-term review of the Capital Plan, a start on site in early 2018 is expected.
