Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the cost to date of investment in the digital hub; the extent to which it is intended to expand or extend the digital hub project in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20035/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the current position in regard to the replacement of an anchor tenant at the digital hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20331/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the total cost to date of investment in the digital hub; the extent to which it is intended to expand or extend the digital hub project in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20335/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 200 and 204 together.

The digital hub project, managed by the independent Digital Hub Development Agency, has been and continues to be successful in attracting digital industry tenants and operates a number of significant community, educational and promotional initiatives as part of its role. Government funding of approximately €52.4 million has been used to purchase properties for development in the site. A further amount of €2.2 million has been spent in building a state-of-the-art broadband ring around the hub area.

In addition, current funding for the agency to an amount of €8.2 million for the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 was provided. Since then the digital hub has used an overdraft facility, which currently stands at €2.5 million, to meet its costs until its long-term development process is in place. I am currently exploring options with the agency to deliver the property development project in a timely manner. When completed the project will deliver 500,000 sq. ft. of enterprise, learning and educational, residential and retail space. A steering committee with membership from the various stakeholders including the Office of Public Works has now been set up under the chairmanship of this Department to drive the process forward. While the larger hub site is being developed, the agency is space constrained, given the high number of tenants. Parts of the former Media Lab Europe, MLE, building are now being utilised by the hub on a temporary basis.