Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 231: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works will widen a bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39127/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Commissioners of Public Works are arranging for an engineer to carry out an inspection of the bridge in question following which a decision will be taken as to what works, if any, need to be carried out.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Finance the situation regarding the efforts to locate a site in Newbridge, County Kildare for the proposed headquarters of the Department of Defence; the size of site which is required; if there is an estimated cost for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39143/05]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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The Office of Public Works has assessed a total of 12 sites in Newbridge as potential sites for the Department of Defence. Seven were submitted in response to the advertisement seeking suitable sites or buildings and a further five have been assessed as they came on the market.

A local authority owned site, comprising c.4.3 acres, had been identified as a likely solution and it is currently being assessed. When all aspects, including access and security have been fully evaluated, a final decision will be made regarding the acquisition of the site.

It would be inappropriate to give an estimate of the purchase price of the site at this stage of the acquisition process.

The Commissioners of Public Works are continuing to liaise closely with Kildare County Council and the Department of Defence on all issues associated with the site and the client's requirements.