Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when responsibility for the digital hub project was transferred to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2608/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the costs which accrued to his Department in respect of the digital hub project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2609/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 126 together.

On 22 May 2001, the Government made an order transferring responsibility for the digital hub to the Minister for Public Enterprise whose functions regarding the hub were subsequently transferred to me. The hub provides state-of-the-art infrastructure to start up facilities for early stage, fast growth and established companies to undertake research and development into digital industries. It is based on a nine acre site in the Liberties area which was purchased at a cost of approximately €74 million. This figure includes €22 million spent on the former Media Lab Europe building which will remain in State ownership following the wind down of the lab.

There are now over 40 companies located there, employing more than 300 people, involved in a variety of areas including gaming, animation and mobile technologies. The hub also has social and community development aspects to its remit. The Diageo Liberties learning initiative, for example, has delivered 20 programmes involving more than 6,000 people, including 16 local schools, the wider community of the Liberties and the Irish digital media sector.

The digital hub uses an overdraft facility, secured by property in the hub, to meet its costs until its long-term development process is in place. These development plans will either take the form of a public private partnership or direct development by the agency itself. Borrowings require sanction from myself and the Minister for Finance. Annual running costs are approximately €2.5 million.