1466. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the progress, estimated completion date, costs incurred so far and expected completion costs for the projects included in the National Development Plan as they relate to the National Cultural Institutions; and the reasons for delays or cost overruns. [57369/26]

1529. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the progress, estimated completion date, costs incurred to date and expected completion costs for the projects included in the National Development Plan as they relate to the National Cultural Institutions; and the reasons for delays or cost overruns. [57368/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1466 and 1529 together.

As part of the National Development Plan, the Department is working with the National Cultural institutions and the OPW to deliver an ambitious programme of redevelopments at the National Cultural Institutions to ensure that these important heritage buildings are protected, their sustainability enhanced and the national collections are safeguarded for generations to come. These projects are being progressed in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Office of Government Procurement.

While work is ongoing on all projects in the Department’s NDP portfolio, they are being managed on a pipeline basis and are at various stages of project life cycle. The table below sets out details of each of the projects, its progress/ current stage and expected completion date where available, next Approval Gate and drawdown to date. Where main construction contracts are not yet in place, expected drawdown on contractual commitments is not available at this time. It should be noted that investments prior to the construction contract include extensive investigative works, planning, design and appraisal activities. Estimated costs continue to be refined as the projects progress towards Final Business Case stage and appointment of contractors. The ultimate cost of each project remains dependent on the response of the market to the tender. Following tender process, all costs will be re-examined before any decisions are made to award contracts. Future allocations and spend will be decided in the context of the annual estimates process.

It is not possible to provide the final timelines for projects at pre-implementation stage as these remain dependent upon securing necessary approvals, statutory compliance processes, completing detailed design work, and the conclusion of the procurement processes.