Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 November 2019
210. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the original project budget for a library project (details supplied); the anticipated final budget; the level of engagement by his Department with the relevant local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46819/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that will invest c. €26 million in 19 library projects up to 2022.
With regard to that programme, my department operates a Four Stage Capital Management process to ensure value for money and compliance with the Public Spending Code.
My Department engages consistently with all local authorities throughout the capital build process and in relation to the project in question, these engagements have included written correspondence, telephone conversations, and a visit by department officials to the local authority to discuss progress.
The indicative cost of the library project in question, in February 2016, was €8.6m.
The design and planning process took some time to complete and approval to proceed to the tendering stage was issued by my Department in May 2018.
The tendering process is now nearing completion and approval to agree and award a contract, to the preferred bidder, was issued by my Department in September 2019. I am not in a position to divulge the final costs of the project at this time, as contracts have not yet been finalised and signed. I can say however, that my Department has made a commitment to provide a €4m contribution towards the cost of the library, subject to a number of terms and conditions.
