Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2020
71. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the contract between the OPW and a company (details supplied) in Cork city in respect of the original contract value related to public realm and flood defences and current estimates for work. [42265/20]
View answer73. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the contract between the OPW and a company (details supplied) in Cork city in respect of the original contract value related to public realm and flood defences and current estimates for work. [42267/20]
View answer74. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the contract between the OPW and a company (details supplied) in Cork city in respect of the original contract value related to public realm and flood defences and current estimates for work. [42268/20]
View answer75. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the contract between the OPW and a company (details supplied) in Cork city in respect of the original contract value related to public realm and flood defences and current estimates for work. [42269/20]
View answer76. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the contract between the OPW and a company (details supplied) in Cork city in respect of the original contract value related to public realm and flood defences and current estimates for work. [42270/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 73 to 76, inclusive, together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with Cork City Council, is currently developing the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (LLFRS). The OPW appointed Arup Consulting Engineers (Design consultants), and Ryan Hanley in association with MKOS (Environmental consultants), following open tender competitions in 2013, to develop the scheme and bring it through all stages to full implementation.
Both procurements were undertaken using the Public Works Contract (PWC) Forms of Tender and Standard Conditions of Engagement. The scope of the tendered work was defined on the known requirements at tender stage, but also included the undertaking of detailed specific investigations. As is usual in these types of projects, these investigations highlighted the need for further analysis and input in respect of hydrology, hydraulic modelling, public consultations and environmental assessments. While it is acknowledged that overall expenditure will exceed the initial tender sums, such additions to the tender sum are necessary and do not render the contract materially different. It would be neither feasible nor cost effective to re-tender services once a given increase in additional work is reached, as this would cause inordinate delay, inconsistency in design evolution and unsustainable cost inefficiencies, including possible cost duplications arising. Given the nature of flood relief schemes generally, and this one in particular, the continuity and the evolving understanding of the environmental and technical detail is critical to the success and viability of this complex project.
There is no direct contractual relationship between OPW and the Paul Hogarth Company or Alastair Coey with respect to the LLFRS as both are sub consultants to the main design consultants.
