Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the original projected cost for the reconstruction of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, including associated costs such as traffic management. [2879/12]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 101: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason for the delay to the original 12 week construction period for reconstruction to the Phoenix Park; and if he will outline any additional cost implications this delay may incur upon the Office of Public Works. [2880/12]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 102: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the revised completion date for the reconstruction of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park. [2881/12]

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 to 102, inclusive, together.

An allocation of €3 million was provided by the Minister of Finance to the Office of Public Works in 2011 to fund reconstruction works to Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park. The scope of works for the project was developed in accordance with this level of available funding. The principal elements of cost that arise in this project relate to the main road works contract (contract award price - €1.63m ex VAT) and the waste disposal contract (subject to a separate tender to be undertaken shortly and accordingly the budget provision cannot be released at this point). Costs associated with Surveys, Consultant Civil Engineer Fees, Bord Gáis charges and VAT constitute the other elements of the project cost.

Following a formal tendering process, Clonmel Enterprises Ltd was appointed as the Main Contractor for these works, which included full responsibility for the Temporary Traffic Management Plan. The Contract Award Price of €1.63 million (excluding Vat) was the lowest and most economically advantageous of the tenders received. A Work Programme of 12 weeks duration was indicated at the commencement of these works with works confined to normal working day hours i.e. no late working or working at weekends. Works commenced on site on 3rd October 2011. Two main factors have impacted on this programme to date. Firstly, an archaeological area was encountered - two ponds on the site of the former Star Fort - which necessitated additional works to ensure compliance with all statutory requirements. As a result, the project did encounter a delay and cost arising from the additional works associated with this. A final determination of the amount of this cost has yet to be made.

The second factor is weather related. The contract for Chesterfield Avenue did not commence until the works on nearby Blackhorse Avenue were first completed. Accordingly, given the eventual later timing of these works, consideration of weather conditions and the avoidance of any potential risk to the desired road finish became a critical part of the management of the works. As a consequence, certain elements of work scheduled for December 2011 were deferred. Work on this major project is being completed as expeditiously as possible and, subject to weather conditions, it is expected that the road will fully re-open for traffic in mid February 2012. Every effort is being made to ensure that inconvenience for the residents of the Park, those living close to and also those using the Park is kept to a minimum.