Question
40. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount provided under the capital plan for the new forensic science laboratory in County Kildare; the amount spent to date; the expected completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18820/17]
Answer
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): The need for a new purpose built forensic science laboratory appropriate to the State's requirements is long-standing. The Government's capital plan 2016-2021 has allocated €45m for the construction of the laboratory with work due to commence in 2019.
However, I have previously indicated that I would avail of every opportunity to bring forward the start date, if that was possible. I was happy, therefore, that €6 million was provided in my Department's Vote to enable the commencement of building work in 2017. This funding has been earmarked for a variety of enabling works, including electricity and gas connections, the installation of fibre line to the site and works to the main entrance.
I hope that it will be possible in the context of the mid-term review of the Capital Plan to secure the funding that will allow the construction of the building to commence and that being the case, I would expect the new laboratory to be ready in 2020. The cost of construction and fit-out will only be known once the tendering process is complete.