Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 373: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new capital projects associated with his Department gone to tender that will begin in 2010; the new capital projects gone to tender that were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding; the capital projects that are in the middle of construction at present; his views on the importance of such projects in getting capital flowing into banks and around the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3170/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has no new capital projects, which have gone to tender, and were due to start in 2010 but are not now proceeding.

In relation to new capital projects associated with my Department which have gone to tender or about to go to tender in 2010, the position is as follows:

Capital projects that will begin in 2010

Bridge Project, Dublin

In August 2009 my Department gave approval to the Board of Management of the Bridge Project to tender for the fit-out of their new premises at Wolfe Tone Street, Dublin 1. Contracts were awarded in December 2009 and works commenced in January 2010 with a completion date in May 2010. The Bridge Project is a specialised Intensive Probation programme fully funded by my Department through the Probation Service.

Forensic Science Laboratory, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

The design and planning phase of the new purpose built Forensic Science Laboratory, which will be located at the Backweston Complex, Leixlip, is nearing completion. It is anticipated that, subject to the appropriate sanction, the tendering for construction process will commence shortly with a view to the construction phase getting underway later this year. The project is a priority component of the criminal justice sector building programme and it is being progressed as expeditiously as possible by the Office of Public works on behalf of my Department.

Medico-Legal Centre, Dublin

The new Medico-Legal Centre, incorporating a new State Pathologist Laboratory and Mortuary Project, is a joint venture with Dublin City Council. The project has proceeded to tender. The construction phase will commence once the tender process is completed.

Cloverhill Prison, Dublin

The refurbishment of Audio Visual Gates throughout the prison.

Prison Services Psychology Service, Arbour Hill, Dublin

The provision of new office space and upgrade of existing facility at Arbour Hill Prison to facilitate the relocation of the Psychology Service from Clonskeagh.

Shelton Abbey, Co. Wicklow

The provision of a new car park. The work is currently under tender and is due to commence in 2010.

The provision of two Work and Training workshops. Tenders are currently being evaluated.

Mountjoy Prison, Dublin

Security works are currently at tender stage and work is due to commence in March 2010.

Capital projects currently under construction

Gorey Courthouse, Co. Wexford

The construction of a new courthouse in Gorey

Kilkenny Courthouse

The refurbishment and extension of Kilkenny Courthouse

Monaghan Courthouse

The refurbishment of Monaghan Courthouse

Midleton Courthouse, Co. Cork

Upgrading works at Midleton Courthouse

Trinity House School, Co. Dublin

The Irish Youth Justice Service is currently engaged in the refurbishment of residential accommodation at Trinity House School, a children detention facility located in north Co. Dublin. The capital works are well underway and will be completed in 2010.

Property Registration Authority, Roscommon Town

Construction began on a new building to accommodate 230 staff of the Property Registration Authority in Golf Links Road, Roscommon Town in October 2009, The Office of Public Works (OPW), are charged with the responsibility of providing the accommodation. Construction is proceeding to schedule and it is anticipated that the new building should be ready for occupation by the end of the 1st quarter 2011.

Wheatfield Prison, Clondalkin, Dublin

Upgrade package to facilitate the increased demand on existing facilities as a result of new cell block due to come on stream in 2010. The work includes: Commissioning of new cell block, extension and upgrade of the existing kitchen, extension to Visits Building, completion of fire safety contract.

Cork Prison

Works to yards, roofs and toilets block.

Limerick Prison

A number of separate projects tendered together and currently ongoing. The work includes refurbishment of 14 currently unused female cells, new main boiler and generator and additional visiting booths.

Castlerea Prison, Co. Roscommon

Prisoner Locker Room extension.

Mountjoy Prison, Dublin

Refurbishment of tuck shop and keys room.

I would also like to inform the Deputy that, subject to resources, I intend to ensure that across the justice sector every effort continues to be made to bring key capital projects to the market so that full advantage can be taken of the current highly competitive trading environment in the construction sector.