John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Finance when the planning process will be complete in relation to the new building in Newcastle West where Revenue employees will be based, following decentralisation; the length of time it will take to appoint a contractor to commence work on the building; the length of time construction will take; and if he will provide an approximate date for the opening of this building. [9320/07]

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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A site for the new decentralised offices in Newcastle West was purchased from Limerick County Council in 2005. In common with other projects in the Decentralisation Programme, following receipt and evaluation of Expressions of Interest, tenders for the proposed building were invited by the OPW from a number of contractors on a design/build basis and a preferred tenderer was identified.

A planning application was lodged by the preferred tenderer with Limerick County Council in October 2006. In December 2006, additional information was requested by the Council in relation to the foul sewer, the site boundaries and the front elevation of the proposed building. Also requested by the Council was a comprehensive historical study and comprehensive record drawings and a photographic study relating to certain existing buildings that were on the site at the time of purchase from the Council. In the interests of moving the project forward, the OPW assisted the preferred tenderer in providing the additional information which has been submitted to the Council. A decision on the planning application is due by the end March 2007 and will be open to appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

On receipt of a satisfactory planning permission, the OPW will endeavour to have the working drawings and other necessary documents completed by the preferred tenderer with a view to a contract being placed and work commencing on site at the earliest possible date. The tender documentation provides for a construction period of 14 months from the date of placing a contract. On completion of construction, the building will be handed over for occupation by staff of the Revenue Commissioners.