Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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668. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position on the request for additional funding for a project (details supplied); when a final decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47085/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The project referred to in the question consists of the design, construction and operation of a new multifunctional Event Centre in Cork city with a capacity of approximately 6,000 persons. It is envisaged that the Event Centre will be capable of accommodating a range of events including concerts, festivals, family entertainments, arts, cultural, sports, exhibitions, conferences and trade shows.

This is a project led by Cork City Council. In December 2014, the development company BAM was selected by Cork City Council as the preferred tenderer. BAM in turn has engaged international events company Live Nation as the preferred operator. The project is ultimately being developed and managed by Cork City Council. This means that Cork City Council is responsible for its delivery.

In the context of the application for additional funding of €10 million for the project, my Department as sanctioning authority needs to ensure that the project is robust, complies with the Public Spending Code and will deliver value for money for the Exchequer. Due to its size and cost this project has significant procurement, state aid, legal and match funding complexities.

Significant work is taking place by all parties involved in order to develop a sustainable project, culminating in a new cultural centre for Cork. High level meetings are continuing to take place regarding legal and funding requirements in light of the additional €10 million funding request. Cork City Council is also reviewing a number of elements of the project; such as the revised application for planning permission which was submitted in August 2018 and funding of ancillary infrastructure near the event centre. All parties are eager for this project to progress and be delivered in accordance with the relevant Exchequer funding and legal requirements.

My Department is continuing to engage with Cork City Council in relation to additional capital funding for the Event Centre.