Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 152: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the construction costs of the Leinster House shop recently opened at Kildare Street gate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4474/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the construction period of the Leinster House shop recently opened at the Kildare Street gate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4475/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.

The replacement of the unsightly concrete block structure, which served as a shop inside the main gate to Leinster House from Kildare Street, by a more appropriate and functional transparent glass building, as approved by the Oireachtas, was undertaken by way of a series of interlinked construction contracts. The new building incorporates a new external glazed covered area which facilitates the holding of press interviews in inclement weather. The enlarged shop area provides a safer and more user friendly environment for customers and staff from the National Rehabilitation Board who run the shop.

Construction work was undertaken in a number of phases i.e. site preparation, off-site fabrication of superstructure, installation of superstructure, off-site fabrication of internal fittings and final completion on site. The phasing was necessary due to the intricate nature of the project and to minimise disruption to the operation of Leinster House. Work commenced on site in March 2007 and was completed in January 2008. The final account for the project has not been completed as yet. The final order of cost for the construction of the new building will be in the region of €800,000 excluding VAT and internal fittings.