My Department, through the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) and in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement, has commenced a national procurement programme for accommodation centres for persons entering the state and seeking international protection. This will comprise a series of regional competitions through the State's procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie.
The Department ran a tender competition for premises within 40km of Newbridge, Co. Kildare for accommodation and ancillary services. Successful bidders were required to undertake mobilisation works to provide for cooking facilities for residents and a Food Hall (where residents can procure ingredients and food items as well as toiletries and household items through a points system) and provide designated living space for families outside of the bedrooms. There is a 12-week provision for the completion of the required mobilisation works. No contract will be in effect until the mobilisation works are completed and subsequently inspected and verified as complete by RIA.
The provider who is currently providing accommodation and ancillary services at the Towers Centre in Clondalkin, Dublin 22 was successful in being placed on the framework. The 12-week mobilisation period, commenced on 11th April 2019, requires all works to be complete by 4th July 2019. It was anticipated by my Department that a new services agreement for the provision of accommodation and other services in Clondalkin Towers would be signed shortly after that date.
My Department has recently been informed that the commencement of these works in Clondalkin Towers has been delayed. RIA has agreed a further six-month extension to the current contract and sought clarification from the contractor regarding the commencement of the required works.