I propose to take Questions Nos. 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717 and 718 together.
The Cork Events Centre (CEC), which will provide a venue for concerts, conferences, community events and contribute to the economic and social development of Cork and the Southern Region, was included as a Government commitment under the revised National Development Plan in 2021. The Government decision of 22 October 2024 re-affirmed this commitment as well as ongoing Exchequer funding support for an Events Centre in Cork City, given its strategic alignment with the growth ambition for Cork as set out in the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan. A commitment to “work towards the completion of the Cork Events Centre to enhance Cork’s cultural landscape and boost the city’s regeneration” has also been included in the Programme for Government.
The Government decision requires that the procurement process begins afresh and that a Project Development Board (PDB), led by Cork City Council, be established to expedite the process. It also notes that every effort will be made by the PDB to ensure that the new procurement process, State Aid clearance and planning compliance are completed within a 12 to 18 month period.
The first meeting of the PDB took place on 24 January. It is chaired by the Assistant Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Mr Brian Geaney, and has the following additional members:
• Mr. Conor Healy, Cork Chamber of Commerce.
• Mr. Fiach MacConghail, The Digital Hub Development Agency.
• Mr. Aaron Mansworth, Cork Business Association.
• Ms. Ciara Murphy, Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
• Mr. Gary O’Doherty, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
• Dr. Jean van Sinderen-Law, University College Cork.
Conscious of the importance of regular communication on progress with the project, stakeholder communications is, inter alia, a standing item on the PDB agenda. In that respect, a project update is agreed at every PBD meeting and provided to CCC for issuing to key stakeholders.
The PBD will provide a further update on progress following its meeting in October. CCC updates its members on a regular basis, most recently on 11 September. I reported to Government on progress with the project last week and will continue to do so as the project progresses through the project lifecycle.
Following the completion of a public tender process, CCC has recently appointed AECOM to lead the Project Management Delivery Team (PMDT). A crucial appointment for the progression of the project, the PMDT is a multidisciplinary team that is being appointed with the appropriate expertise to manage the project through all stages of the project lifecycle. It is responsible for planning and executing the project, including the procurement process, and delivering high-quality results on time and within budget in that respect.
The key first tasks to be carried out by the PMDT will include the preparation of a new Preliminary Business Case (PBC). The PBC will include a comprehensive options analysis for the project, including options for its operational model, as well as a detailed examination of the procurement strategy taking account of state aid requirements. This will determine the critical path for the project, including next steps in progressing individual work streams such as state aid requirements and the preferred procurement process, as well as setting timelines for completion of all stages of delivery. It should be noted in that respect that the PMDT is also carrying out a market engagement process that will inform the PBC. The PBC will also include estimated project costs for the Event Centre project.
The PBC will be reviewed by the PDB and, following completion of that review, it will then be issued by CCC to my Department for approval in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The total costs expended to date by Cork City Council on the project are €1,747,455 inclusive of €1 million received from the Department of Tourism, Culture Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in 2015.
