Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 226: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there has been a local labour clause inserted into the agreement for the regeneration of an area (details supplied). [12304/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Planning permission was granted on 5 May 2011 for a mixed use development with 253 residential units, offices, retail units, restaurants, community sports facilities and a cinema at this location. It is envisaged that some 139 of the residential units will be used for social housing with a significant number being set aside as replacement units for current residents. This planning decision is another step in the PPP procurement process for the regeneration of the Charlemont Flat Complex. This will allow Dublin City Council to proceed to the next stage, a value for money assessment of the involvement of the private sector, whereby a benchmark price is set against which tenders will be evaluated. This benchmark is prepared in partnership with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and my Department.

The inclusion of a local labour clause, along with other aspects of the bid process, will form part of the discussions with the NDFA in formulating the benchmark price. While it is not possible at this stage in the process to provide details of the final agreement, every opportunity to stimulate local employment opportunities, subject to legislative constraints, will be explored. The provision of commercial, retail and cinema units at this location will, of itself, provide local employment opportunities, in addition to those arising during the construction and implementation phases of the project.