BUILDING FIRM OFFERS TO QUIT KIDS HOSPITAL
BAM says it is willing to ‘opt out of contract’
THE company building the controversial National Children’s Hospital yesterday offered to pull out of the massive project.
The BAM Ireland construction firm stated if the board wants it to “opt out of the contract”, it will co-operate fully.
The firm said it did not benefit inappropriately from the tender process and also wants the Taoiseach to confirm he was not referring to BAM when he said he would like “one or two” contractors to never get State contracts again.
There have been calls this week for Health Minister Simon Harris to resign after it emerged the new facility could end up costing the taxpayer €2billion.
The offer from the main contractor to quit is likely to put more pressure on Mr Harris and the Taoiseach.
BAM chief Theo Cullinane said: “We wish to advise the hospital board that if it would prefer to opt out of this contract and procure the work in some other way, then BAM will co-operate with them to facilitate this option.”
The firm added: “BAM wishes to confirm it did not benefit inappropriately from the tender process and much of the commentary is based on incomplete and inaccurate information. BAM will fully engage with PWC to ensure all relevant facts are disclosed.
“In response to the Taoiseach’s comments in the Dail on Tuesday, BAM has written to the Taoiseach directly to respectfully request him to
clarify he was not referring to BAM in the Dail. And that BAM has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution to Ireland including in the context of the New Children’s Hospital, where BAM is in full compliance with all its obligations.”
But Deputy Mattie Mcgrath has demanded all work at the site to stop and for other options to be looked at.
He said: “The statement by BAM today completely undermines the narrative that has been put out there by the Taoiseach, the Health Minister and indeed the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe with respect to the alleged inability to reconsider a possible relocation.
“They have repeatedly sought to shoot down this option on the basis the State was locked into contractual obligations.
“The statement by BAM today absolutely refutes that and proves it is indeed possible to stop this madness now and pursue an alternative location.”