Written answers

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Prison Facilities

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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403. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the cost of the refurbishment works at the Mountjoy Prison training unit in 2019 and to date in 2020; if the contract was tendered to the prisons' construction framework panel of builders; when the planning stage of the project commenced; and if he will publish the business case for the project including the procurement and or contract award basis. [5081/20]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the cost of refurbishment works at the Mountjoy Prison training unit in 2019 was €1.3million (inclusive of VAT). I am further informed that the cost of this work paid to date in 2020 is €615,000 (inclusive of VAT). The Irish Prison Service assure me that these works have completed on time and in line with the overall project budget.

I am informed that, following the appointment of the technical consultants in May 2019 an estimated cost for these works of €3.6million was arrived at, based on the refurbishment of the accommodation in addition to alterations to several specific areas including the healthcare accommodation. I understand that the Irish Prison Service conducted further planning work to identify a more cost effective and value for money solution, whilst also ensuring that the facility would be delivered in as short a timeframe as possible. The outcome of this process resulted in a revised cost estimate of €2.1million, achieved by using a combination of the Irish Prison Service’s facilities management provider, small works framework contractors and separate maintenance contracts for fire safety systems.

I understand that the works commenced in June 2019 and substantial completion was achieved on 23 December 2019. Some post contract minor additional works were requested by the medical and health professionals and these works were approved and completed in the early part of 2020.

I understand that it is not the practice of the Irish Prison Service to publish the business cases for such projects.

The Deputy may be interested to know that it was intended to move prisoners into the refurbished Unit in February of this year. However, I am informed that a decision was taken on health grounds to temporarily pause the movement of older prisoners into the Training Unit due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to minimise disruption and risk to this vulnerable cohort of prisoners.

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