Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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231. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in respect of the bandstand in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2; the estimated reopening of same; if he will provide a schedule of costs attached to the works; if he will confirm whether a contractor has been appointed; and the budget that has been made available for the restoration works. [19476/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The bandstand in St. Stephen's Green was closed in 2021 due to the identification of structural issues which made it unsafe for visitors. Conservation Architects from the Office of Public Works have been working to determine the most appropriate manner to restore and make safe this historic bandstand. The OPW has commissioned historical reports and condition surveys and it has been determined that it is necessary to carry out structural repairs to the columns, plinths and decking.

I can confirm that a contractor was appointed on 18th April 2023 to undertake these works. The contractor will commence works on site in the coming weeks and it is estimated that works will be completed by end of October 2023.

The quantity surveyors have returned an estimated Total Construction Project Budget costing for the St. Stephen's Green Bandstand Refurbishment Works of €290,000 which is inclusive of VAT and associated fees. This project will be fully-funded from within the OPW vote.