€3.3m spent on abandoned project

Around €3.3 million was spent on a now-abandoned project to develop a new State Pathology Office and facilities for the Dublin Coroner in Marino in Dublin city , the report of the Comptroller states.

Moves to develop the new centre, to be undertaken between the Department of Justice and Dublin City Council, commenced in 2007. However the report says that due to delays relating to planning, procurement and the building contractor going into receivership, the project was ultimately shelved.

A partially-constructed complex on the site was subsequently demolished and an asset under development of €2.28 million was written off.

The report says that the net project cost after taking into account of a bond payment, came to €3.3 million.

The report says that the Department of Justice and Dublin City Council are “examining the feasibility of pursuing a significantly-scaled down project using the former Whitehall Garda Station which is owned by the Office of Public Works.

It says a decision on this development will be taken when detailed professional assessment and further costings are available.