More information needed on Carillion school projects
Labour spokesperson on Education, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has called on the Minister for Education to urgently provide clarity on the future of five schools built by UK company Carillion, following news the firm is going into liquidation.
Senator Ó Ríordáin said:
“The rug has been pulled out from under all those involved in these five projects with the news the company contracted to build and operate the schools is set to go into liquidation. While the Department has said today that the school buildings are 90% complete, there is major uncertainty as to whether these schools will now be finished out.
“There are also major questions as to whether the subcontractors who have been working on these projects and have spent a lot of money in the expectation of being funded, will see their bills paid.
“Reports from RTÉ that the original move in date of November have now been pushed back twice are a cause for concern. I know one school in Wexford is due to open in the coming weeks.
“All those involved in these school projects, from the students and teaching staff, right through to the workers involved in construction need clarity as to what happens next.
“As the State is the owner of these schools, it falls to the Minister for Education to provide this at the earliest possible opportunity.”