Work to restart on school buildings hit by collapse of contractor Carillion

WORK is restarting on six new school and college buildings that were hit by the collapse of British construction giant Carillion.

Education Minister Richard Bruton said arrangements were being put in place for the appointment of a replacement contractor for projects being undertaken as part of a public-private partnership (PPP) known as Schools Bundle 5.

It means the three most advanced schools, Loreto College, Wexford; Coláiste Ráithín, Bray; and Ravenswell Primary School, Bray, can be completed by the end of August.

In the case of the three other buildings – Tyndall College, Carlow; Carlow Institute of Further Education; and Eureka Secondary School, Kells – preliminary work will be undertaken during the summer with a view to completion by the end of December.

The new arrangements follow a re-tendering process.

Mr Bruton said they provided for a contractor to be mobilised and for work to recommence on site in the coming weeks.

The minister’s announcement followed confirmation of the appointment of a replacement contractor by the Dutch Infrastructure Fund (DIF), a major partner in the PPP venture, and the lenders.

The delay was caused by the liquidation of Carillion Construction Ltd in January, and the subsequent examinership and liquidation of Carillion’s Irish sub-contractor Sammon.