Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1430. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the convention centre in Cork city; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14071/19]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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1431. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to a programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14072/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1430 and 1431 together.

A grant of €12m is allocated to Cork City Council for the purpose of the construction of an Event Centre in Cork.

In light of additional works required for the Cork Event Centre and following detailed consideration, my Department considers that, in accordance with public procurement rules, the total public funding for the project may be increased by €10 million to €30 million, made up of grant aid of €21 million and a repayable loan of €9 million. In December, my Department wrote to Cork City Council on this matter of additional public funding for the Event Centre.

Officials in my Department met with Cork City Council in January to discuss all aspects around the public funding elements of the project and continue to liaise with the City Council in this regard. It should be noted that all State funding will be subject to adherence to the requirements of the Public Spending Code and Public Financial Procedures.

I am aware of the recent programme referred to by the Deputy which made it clear that this is a project led by Cork City Council with the development company BAM, having been selected by Cork City Council as the preferred tenderer. BAM in turn has engaged international events company Live Nation as the preferred operator. Cork City Council has responsibility for the delivery of the project.

The important thing is to ensure that the project is delivered in accordance with the relevant legal and value for money requirements. I understand that officials in my Department are in regular contact with the relevant stakeholders including Cork City Council with a view to progressing the project as a matter of urgency.