148. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 23 July 2019, if a preferred tender has been chosen; if a letter of intent or letter of acceptance has issued; the likely start and completion dates for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37298/19]

Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 23 July 2019 regarding the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory Project at the Backweston campus, the delivery of this project is managed by the Office of Public Works. A Letter of Intent was issued on 5th September 2019 to the preferred Main Contractor Tender. There is a 14 calendar day standstill period from the date of this letter. Please note that the procurement process for specialist sub-contractors is still underway and no contract will be awarded until that process is complete and the necessary pre-contract meeting takes place and required assurances are subsequently received. It is anticipated this process will be complete by the end of Q3 2019. It is expected to start construction on site in Q4 2019 and complete construction in late 2021/early 2022.