Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 166: To ask the Minister for Finance the gross cost, including fee and all related items, per square foot for the combined social welfare and Garda station buildings recently constructed in Ballymun, Dublin; the way this compares to other similar buildings constructed in 2008; his views on whether this level of cost is justified and if effective cost management was applied to the building project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28585/09]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 167: To ask the Minister for Finance the number and value of all extra costs paid to the contractor, additional to the contract sum agreed at the commencement of the construction contract for the social welfare and Garda station building in Ballymun, Dublin; his views on whether these costs would have been avoided if the contract had been a fixed-price contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28586/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

The development in Ballymun comprised a new Divisional Headquarters for An Garda Síochána, offices for the Department of Social and Family Affairs, including accommodation for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, together with facilities for the Probation Service.

It is anticipated that the final account for the project will be completed in the next few weeks. I would be in a position at that stage to provide the Deputy with confirmation of the cost per square foot and other information requested, relating to the financial aspects of the project. I can, however, assure the Deputy that cost effective management was applied to the project, as is the case with all such projects undertaken by the Office of Public Works.

Details of the nature and value of additional works carried out under the contract would also be available when the final account has been agreed. I am advised that the additional works were requested by the public bodies concerned, and were deemed necessary, in order that they could deliver satisfactorily in relation to their statutory / operational functions, or were necessitated to address project critical issues that arose during the course of the contract.