School construction contract delays
Deputy Troy questioned delays in a school building project and asked what the Minister was doing about the contractor missing deadlines. Minister McHugh said he had visited the school, wanted the project completed before September, but would not discuss the contract details; Troy continued to press that the contractor was failing to deliver.
In response to the last two questions I raised with the Tánaiste on Questions on Promised Legislation, he promised to get back to me but I am still waiting. Today I will direct my question to the Minister for Education and Skills. It relates to the provision of State contracts for the construction of schools. What is the Government doing about contracts awarded where the contractor is not meeting the completion date even though there are no extenuating circumstances? The Minister visited a school in Mullingar yesterday - I understand in a personal capacity, whatever that is meant to mean - to see why a school that was due to open in September 2018 has yet to be opened. The contractor continues to extend his completion date. It is having a severe effect on the students who are using a facility that is not fit for purpose at the moment.
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There is grave concern in the wider community over this.
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In light of his visit yesterday, will the Minister tell us what he is doing to ensure the contractual obligations are fulfilled and that the school will open with the new scheduled opening date?
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I confirm that I was in the school yesterday and I met members of the board of management, the principal and the clerk of works. As the Deputy knows, Westmeath County Council has a service level agreement with the Department to ensure the project is completed. People are anxious to ensure the project is completed before September. I was there because I was invited down by Deputy Peter Burke. We are also anxious that this project finishes. I will not get into the detail of a contract. I have no prerogative in that regard. However, people's minds are focused to get something completed. I was there yesterday and the men were working on site.
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Did the Minister meet the contractors?
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The men were working on site. We met in a venue adjacent to the site. We were not on the construction site so I did not meet the contractor. I know from the enthusiasm and goodwill on the part of the clerk of works, the board of management and the principal that all minds should be focused on ensuring that this project is completed.
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Their minds are focused, but the contractor's is not.
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Westmeath County Council is keeping the public updated. As recently as last week it stated it is aiming for a July completion. Let us hope that is realised.