asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate in connection with the building of the new hospital at Gurranebraher, County Cork, the dates on which (1) tenders were received by the Cork Corporation for the general building, electrical and mechanical and heating contracts; (2) each was submitted to his Department for sanction; and (3) sanction was given in each case; and, further, if he will state whether all contracts are now signed and accepted and, if so, the time limits allowed in each case and the dates when each contract is due for completion and whether any extensions have already been sanctioned and, if so, to what extent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gurranebraher (Cork) New Hospital.
(1) Tenders were received by the Cork Corporation on 30th September, 1949, for the building work; on the 31st October, 1949, for the electrical installations; and on the 15th April, 1950, for the mechanical installations, including heating.
(2) Proposals for the acceptance of tenders were sent to my Department for approval as follows: (a) for the building work on the 26th October, 1949; (b) for the electrical installations on the 2nd February, 1950, and a revised proposal on the 27th November, 1950; (c) for the mechanical installations, including heating, on the 2nd May, 1950.
(3) Sanction for the acceptance of a tender for the building work was issued on 3rd November, 1949. In the case of the proposals relating to the electrical and mechanical installations further data which had been requested were received in my Department on the 31st May, 1950, and following on subsequent discussions and correspondence sanction to the acceptance of a tender for the mechanical installations was issued on 4th October, 1950, and for the electrical installations on 12th December, 1950.
The building contract has been signed and the date for completion provided in the contract agreement is 8th December, 1952. The question of a grant of an extension of time for this contract is one for the architect and I understand that an extension of nine months has been authorised. Despite continuous efforts by my Department and by the local authority, the difficulties which have arisen in regard to the periods to be fixed for completion of the sub-contracts, the supply of certain materials, the question of claims for delay and other matters affecting the form of the sub-contracts have delayed signature but I am hopeful that the sub-contracts will be signed in the very near future.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there is a fine of £150 per week for every week the building contractor is delayed under this contract?
Yes, I am aware of it, and that is one of the matters which are under discussion at the moment and which it is hoped to resolve very shortly.