Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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425. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the OPW’s removal of the searchable Kilmainham Jail 1916 (details supplied) autograph book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61959/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages Kilmainham Gaol as one of Ireland’s most significant historic sites, together with its associated archival collections. Among these is the Kilmainham Gaol Autograph Book, which contains signatures and messages of individuals detained during the revolutionary period, including the events of 1916.

A dedicated website showcasing the autograph book was developed in 2016 as part of the State’s centenary commemorations of the Easter Rising. Over time, the platform on which this website operated became technically outdated and the searchable functionality was no longer reliable.

As part of the OPW’s ongoing work to modernise and consolidate its digital heritage resources, the content has since been incorporated into the official Heritage Ireland website. This ensures continued public access to the material through a stable, secure and sustainable platform that meets current accessibility and data standards. We regret that it is not currently searchable and we plan to rectify this when we upgrade the website.

The OPW remains committed to the preservation, interpretation and accessibility of all archival and heritage collections under its care. Further enhancements to digital access and educational content relating to Kilmainham Gaol are planned as part of the continuing development of heritage interpretation resources.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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426. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will clarify whether OPW has been tasked with sourcing new facilities or accommodation for An Garda Síochána to increase its capacity to train new garda recruits and upskill serving officers. [61967/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works has been tasked with providing a solution to An Garda Síochána to increase its capacity to train new Gardaí recruits, and to upskill serving officers.

Work is currently ongoing by Office of Public Works at the Garda College, Templemore to develop additional capacity in this regard.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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427. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 608 of 8 September 2025, the reason a response has not issued from the OPW. [61999/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I refer to the Parliamentary Question you raised for answer on 8 September 2025.

The approved Total Project Cost for Bailieborough Garda Station, at Contract Award stage (12 November 2021), was €15.62m. This included the construction contract sum, 20% contingency, design fees, percentage for art allowance and VAT.

In September 2023, additional works were approved by An Garda Síochána to the value of €1.17m incl. VAT for Phase 2 of the project.

Ex-gratia payments due under the OGP Inflation / Supply Chain Delay Co-Operation Framework Agreement, are estimated to be in the region of €1.25m incl. VAT.

The revised Total Project Cost, including the approved Phase 2 works and the payments due under the OGP Inflation / Supply Chain Delay Co-Operation Framework Agreement, is circa €18.69m.

To date €16,185,360.81 incl. VAT has been expended on the project.