Departmental Funding

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Questions (656)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

656. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total capital allocation approved to date for the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction at Mount Lucas; the amount drawn down to date; whether a formal Stage 1 and Stage 2 approval under the Capital Works Management Framework was completed prior to commencement of enabling groundworks; and if he will provide the dates on which such approvals were granted. [16020/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I thank Deputy O'Flynn for his continued interest in the development of the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

The groundworks allocation approved by the Project Advisory Group is €3.2m. I can confirm that as of February 2026, €2.41m of this allocation has been drawn down.

The Approving / Sanctioning Authority (DFHERIS) has devolved the role of overseeing the project to the Project Advisory Group, as per section 3.2 of the CWMF Guidance Note 1.1. The Group fulfils the role of ‘Steering Group’ as per the Capital Works Management Framework project hierarchy requirements.

The Project Advisory Group is co-chaired by SOLAS and LOETB and comprises my Department; the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; SOLAS, and LOETB.