I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 to 169, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of design issues have arisen with this project, as indicated in previous responses, and that approximately €314k has been spent on costs related to the project including design team fees, planning and statutory consent fees, and surveys for the project. This level of cost is consistent with what would be expected to be spent on a project of this scope and scale at this stage of its development.
My Department is currently awaiting submission of a revised stage report to reflect the additional floor space being provided. This floor space was added to the project to ensure it meets the needs of LMETB into the future given recent increases in staffing numbers for the ETB. The Deputy might wish to note in that respect that the deployment of staff currently employed by LMETB, whether in its offices in Navan, Dundalk or elsewhere, and including the staff referred to by the Deputy, is determined by the Chief Executive (CE) of the ETB and is carried out in accordance with needs of the relevant scheme(s) and the availability of accommodation. However, it is the position of both the CE of LMETB and the Department that the completion of the headquarters building in Drogheda will facilitate the location of all headquarters staff in that building.
The aforementioned stage report will also address a number of other issues with the existing proposal, including meeting the requirements of the Climate Action Plan 2021. It is anticipated that this stage submission will be received in the coming weeks and a design meeting will be held shortly thereafter. Subject to any issues arising with this report, it is expected that approval can then be given to proceed with a planning application incorporating these changes. As the project has yet to proceed through the public procurement process, its value is commercially sensitive at this time. Nor is it possible at this stage to give a commencement date for construction.
