Update in relation to Schools Bundle 5 PPP Project

The Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, today (25th of June 2018) welcomed the confirmation from DIF and the Project Lenders that arrangements are being put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor to:

facilitate the completion of the three most advanced schools - Loreto College, Wexford; Coláiste Raithín, Bray, and Ravenswell Primary School, Bray - by the end of August
undertake survey and preliminary work at the other three buildings in the Bundle – Tyndall College, Carlow, Carlow Institute of Further Education, and Eureka Secondary School, Kells. This survey and preliminary work will be undertaken during the summer and will provide a detailed scope of works to enable the contract arrangements to be finalised for the completion of these schools by the end of December

The arrangements, which follow a retendering process, provide for a contractor to be mobilised in the coming days and for work to recommence on site in the coming weeks.

Today’s announcement is a key milestone in a phased restructuring package in relation to the arrangements for completion of all six buildings. The completion of the schools was delayed due to the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd in January of this year and the examinership and liquidation of Carillion’s sub-contractor, Sammon.

The Minister said:

“Today’s confirmation from DIF and the project lenders regarding the appointment of a replacement contractor provides a clear pathway forward for the completion of all the schools in Schools Bundle 5 PPP Project."

"The Carillion liquidation and resulting uncertainty around completion dates for Schools Bundle 5 has been very challenging for the school communities involved. The clarity on timelines presented today by DIF and the project lenders is very welcome. I would like, in particular, to acknowledge the ongoing commitment and collaboration of the school authorities, staff and students in working through the challenges caused by the delays in completion of their new buildings."

"The arrangements now being put in place are the product of intensive work by many parties in what has been a very complex set of circumstances. I would like to thank DIF and the project lenders for their cooperation through this process and to acknowledge, in particular, the work of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) in representing the interests of the State and the school communities.”

Contingency planning remains in place for all six facilities. Students and staff of Eureka Secondary School Kells, Tyndall College Carlow and Carlow Institute of Further Education will continue to be accommodated in their existing buildings until the new buildings are completed. Kilkenny Carlow ETB, supported by the Department of Education and Skills, is also putting in place additional temporary accommodation arrangements to cater for its increased enrolments.

ENDS