Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
574. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to cost overruns on contracts within his Department with a value in excess of €10 million that came in more than 10% over budget in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8430/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraBecause of the major cutbacks in funding for regional and local roads during the recession, the Strategic Grant Programme relating to significant regional and local road improvement projects was curtailed from 2013 until provision was made in the 2016 Capital Investment Plan to restart a modest programme. Schemes are being managed on a programme basis with phased implementation taking account of the profile of annual capital allocations. The first projects under the programme reached construction stage in late 2017/early 2018 and to date the Minister’s attention has not been drawn to cost overrun issues.
As regards national road projects, Government approval is required for all projects costing over €100 million and in this context the Minister has brought two schemes to Government for approval – in the case of the proposed Galway City Ring Road this related to approval in principle of the scheme Business Case and in the case of the Collooney to Castlebaldwin road upgrade scheme approval, following the conclusion of the tender assessment and appraisal process, was given for the award of the construction contract.
The Luas Cross City project was completed in December 2017 and was funded through Exchequer and non-Exchequer sources. The final outturn is subject to finalisation of on-going contract resolution procedures.
Sport Ireland has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of the National Sports Campus. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
