Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that Deputies Colm Brophy and Katherine Zappone have been on to me about this project, the frustration around which I can understand. Its history has been very difficult. It is the Department's intention to initiate architectural planning for the building project in conjunction with the completion of the site acquisition process. That suggests no undue delay will occur. I presume there will be some procedural steps to select a team. I will seek clarification in writing for the Deputy as to exactly what the next steps will be.

There is a recognition that we want to move this project along in light of the history and the need in the local area. I will let the Deputy know if there is any additional clarification. I make the point that one can never anticipate in advance if a particular project will be prioritised and completed by a certain date as one does not know what site conditions will be or what planning conditions will be attached. All of these issues may arise which means one can never stand up and say it will be done by a certain date because something will jump out of the ground to prove one wrong. From the Department's point of view, however, this is a priority and we will do our level best to ensure that it runs smoothly from this point on.

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