Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
389. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the budgeted cost and final cost for the works recently completed on the dome of the Four Courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50916/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has undertaken an extensive programme of essential investigation, assessment and repairs to the Four Courts dome structure, including the dome, the decorative and supporting stone entablature and the capitals. It was necessary to have appropriate scaffolding in place to facilitate access, investigation, testing, analysis, assessment and for undertaking works safely both internally and externally. The programme of works to the Four Courts dome includes:
- Repair/replacement of metal framing and fixing for the lathe and plaster dome ceiling
- Examination of the concrete dome and carry out necessary remediation work
- New lining to gutter at the base of the dome
- Installation of health and safety access system to dome gutters (incl fall arrest system) for future maintenance
- Replacement of lightning protection
- Assessment and repairs to entablature stonework
- Investigate, repair and/or replacement of stone capitals
- Investigate, assess and repair/replace the steel angle to circumference immediately over the capitals
The external scaffold to the dome was recently removed. Essential reinstatement works and works to the lower roof areas are currently being completed.
Given the uncertain nature of the works required in order to secure the dome, the stop-start nature of any works as the various investigations progressed and the need to undertake repairs on an ad-hoc basis, the works were undertaken under the Office of Public Works maintenance programme for which annual estimates were produced, which are listed as follows with the annual expenditure;
Year Estimate Expenditure Outturn
2015 €1.27m €1,019,914
2016 €0.66m €578,175
2017 €1.15m €917,808
2018 €1.63m €1,041,335
2019 €1.40m €721,424
2020 €1.43m €700,832
2021 €0.50m €853,530 (to date)
The total sum of expenditure, to date, on these works is €5,833,018. It is currently estimated that the overall cost of these works will be €6.2m.
Arising from the investigation and assessment works that have been undertaken, preparation of plans is underway in respect of proposed further works mainly on the stone capitals and steel angle to circumference.
