John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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549. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated final cost for the Limerick Prison redevelopment project currently under construction; the date when the contract was placed with a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43588/21]

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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550. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the final tender award evaluation report in respect of the contract for the Limerick Prison redevelopment project as prepared by a company (details supplied) is available to interested parties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43595/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 549 and 550 together.

I propose to take PQs 549 and 550 together.

Provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to persons in the penal system in Ireland is a priority for me as Minister and for the Irish Prison Service.  Delivery of the Limerick Prison redevelopment project is a key element of ongoing work in relation to the prison estate and is reflected in the Prison Service Strategic Plan 2019-2022.

The contract for a major redevelopment of Limerick Prison was awarded in February 2019 to the construction company referred to by the Deputy following a tender competition. The project scope includes the construction of a new accommodation block for male prisoners, a new prison for female prisoners to replace the 19th century building, facilities to support rehabilitation programmes, a new kitchen, vehicle lock, visits / reception area, exercise yards and the construction of new offices for the Probation Service.

The total estimated cost of the project is €71.5 million and it is currently scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2022. I am informed that the Irish Prison Service expect it to be operational next summer, allowing for the commissioning of the various security systems. This timeframe is subject to no further restrictions on construction activity arising from the pandemic. The project is currently within profile and project budget.

The consultancy firm referred to in question 43595/21 was appointed as technical advisor to assist the Irish Prison Service in procuring and managing the contract for the redevelopment of Limerick Prison. Four tenders were received in response to the tender competition and each bidder was provided with a comprehensive reply explaining the outcome of their tender having regard to the tender evaluation criteria.

The tender evaluation report by its nature contains commercially sensitive and security information pertaining to each bid and I am informed that publication of this information could impact on the competitive nature of future tender competitions and the security of the new prison building.