Louise O'Reilly
Question:1. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the set criteria for the continuation of large construction projects in the exporting and FDI sector. [1985/21]
View answerThursday, 14 January 2021
Questions (1)
Written answers
On 6 January the Government announced new measures to help control the spread of Covid-19 including the decision to close most construction with effect from 6pm on Friday 8 January. Government agreed to a limited number of exemptions to this new restriction, including for certain large projects in the Exporting/FDI sector.
To implement the new measures S.I. No. 4 of 2021 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 was signed by the Minister for Health on 7 January.
Paragraph 6 (2) (a) of S.I. 4 of 2021 deals with the exemptions in relation to construction and amends Part 2 of the Schedule of the Principal Regulations - S.I. No. 701 of 2020 Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020.
This amendment provides for the continuation of construction and development projects which are necessary for maintenance of supply chains in respect of manufacturing or information and communication services specified in the Schedule of S.I. 701 of 2020. The manufacturing services referenced include: chemicals, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, IT equipment, products necessary for national and international supply chains, personal hygiene products, etc. Construction and development projects relating to general purpose facilities (for example office accommodation) in respect of such manufacturing services are excluded from the scope of the exemption.
There is a separate exemption in S.I. 4 of 2021 that provides for construction and development projects that relate to the direct supply of medical products for Covid-19.
All projects covered by the exemption must continue to adhere to the stringent protocols set out in the Work Safely Protocol and are subject to inspection by the Health and Safety Authority.