Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
700. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to cost overruns on contracts within her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [8419/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Phase 3 of the Master Development Plan of the National Gallery of Ireland, including refurbishment of the Dargan and Milltown Wings, was completed in 2017.
The initial estimated cost of this project in 2010 was €25.8 million. Following the commencement of work in 2011 and taking account of unexpected structural issues encountered during the build, projected costs were revised to €31.4m.
Taking into account inflation during the course of the project the final cost came to €31.7 million, an increase of €5.9m or 23% over the initial 2010 estimate, of which my Department contributed €16 million, with a further €3.6m provided by the OPW and €12.1m provided by the National Gallery of Ireland from its own non-exchequer resources .
The final cost is subject to residual claims which have yet to be finalised. As the Deputy will appreciate, where the settlement of residual claims is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment publicly pending the resolution of such claims.
