Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1416. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to advise what cut-off date is being discussed within his Department to end formal consideration of the phase two PPP capital delivery including the proposed engineering building to the WIT campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48252/23]
View answer1417. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science understanding that design plans have been obviously completed considering formal negotiation of PPP delivery of engineering building to WIT campus and understanding that the PPP process appears unable to be fulfilled, the other pathways his Department is reviewing in order to separate this construction and tender for direct build; how advanced any such discussions are; the timeline to separate and tender this building for construction award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48253/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1416 and 1417 together.
There are 11 projects being progressed through the PPP programme. Bundle one, consisting of six projects, has commenced construction. There are five projects in Bundle two, two of which are for South East Technological University (SETU) – 1 at Waterford campus and 1 at the Carlow campus that are currently at tender stage.
The new engineering block in Waterford is a high priority project for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Waterford project is the largest in the Higher Education PPP Programme and will be transformative for SETU.
The Bundle 2 procurement process is currently at tender stage and the competitive dialogue remains open.
